Boston Red Sox Potential Trades: Less is More

In last year's playoffs, the Boston Red Sox struggled to put runs up on the board thanks in large part to a lineup without Mike Lowell and a struggling David Ortiz.  So far this season, the same story has arose again, only this time, Theo Epstein and the crew have some time to work with before the Jul. 31 trade deadline.

One of the biggest stories in baseball this season was the struggles of slugger David Ortiz.  From 2003-2008, Ortiz averaged about 38 home runs a season.  However, Ortiz didn't hit his first home run until May 20. 

Lately though, he has started to turn it around after an impressive June in which he clubbed seven homers and hit .320.  There is reason to believe that we are beginning to see the Big Papi of old, but this is a different season for him, and no one is sure what we might see from here on out.

Another story for the Sox this season has been Mike Lowell's ailing hip.  In the beginning of the season, Lowell was coming off offseason hip surgery and was putting up solid numbers at the plate while playing his usual stellar defense at the hot corner. 

However, his hip has started to flare up again in recent weeks, requiring the fluid to be drained and a trip to the DL.

So what could the Red Sox possibly do to make sure they are set for the second half of the 2009 season?  If you ask me, I'll say this team does not need a major trade like the one we saw with Manny Ramirez last July. 

What the Red Sox need is a solid player who can fill in at multiple positions, most preferably at third and first base, mainly because of Mark Kotsay's unpredictable health, and even in the outfield due to the questionable health of JD Drew and Rocco Baldelli.

A great player the Sox could snag is Scott Hairston, who was recently traded from the Padres to the Oakland A's. 

Oakland is 12 games out in the AL West, and there is a slim chance that they can put together a second half run like they have done in the past.  Billy Beane loves prospects, and it could be a great chance for him to grab a prospect or two. 

Meanwhile, the Red Sox would be getting a solid outfielder who can come off the bench and fill in at any three spots in the outfield.  We never know when Drew will have an injury, and Baldelli is coming off injuries in the past and has already been on the DL this season. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that Jacoby Ellsbury is human, and he will need a day off here and there.  If they want to keep him fresh for second half and the playoffs, he will need some rest at times.

Other names to also keep in mind should be outfielder Josh Willingham, who is playing solid on a down-right awful National's team that is looking towards the future, and even Royal's outfielder David Dejesus, who has many tools any team would love off the bench.

As for the infield, Theo can make a couple of moves.  One could be for Orioles' third baseman, Ty Wigginton, and another could even be for his teammate, Aubrey Huff, who both are playing for a team that is itching to claw its way into division title dreams. 

Wigginton has started to be considered as a "Super Sub," someone who can play all over at a very high level.  He has been a very successful utility man, dating back to his days with the Rays and the Astros, and has been a very solid player for Baltimore. 

As for Huff, this isn't the first time his name has popped up in possible trade rumors involving the Red Sox.  But there is a very good reason for that.  Huff can hit for power and average, while he can play respectable defense at both of the corners, exactly what Boston could use. 

The only problem with Huff and Wigginton possibly coming the Red Sox is that both teams are in the same division, and we have seen Orioles owner Peter Angelos to nix many deals.

Another possible, yet interesting idea is Mark Loretta, who currently plays for the Dodgers.  Having played once before with Boston in 2006, he has the experience to be successful in the media packed city.  Also, he can play all over the infield, and he can still swing the bat while playing with a classy attitude and respect for the game.

In conclusion, I will state this again: the Red Sox do not need a clock-stopping trade that shocks the world. They need to make a move for a player that will give them the insurance they need in case someone goes down, but with the ability to come off the bench and be able to drive the ball and play some assurable defense. 

Everyone is talking about maybe trading for big names such as Matt Holliday or Victor Martinez.  There are also talks of the Sox maybe going after Roy Halladay.

Boston does not necessarily need a big bat, and they already have very deep pitching, which extends all the way to minors with Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden waiting in the wings.  Another thing to add is that Theo rarely deals away his top prospects such as Buchholz and a Bowden.  So remember the old saying, "Less is More."