Four Players That Will Help the Boston Red Sox Win Another World Series

With the trade deadline only days away, the Red Sox may be looking at several players that may make the team better.

Sure everybody wants to look at Roy Halladay, Jake Peavy, and Matt Holliday as options for the Sox.  The big name player always excites every fan around Boston.

But are those players of vital need to this 2009 team?

Financially, I don't think it would be an issue for the Red Sox brass to add a high-price, high-caliber player (see Julio Lugo).  The problem is how much would they have to give up in order to acquire such a big name player?  It is believed by many that whoever was to land any of these three superstars would have to give up their top three or four prospects.

With the current makeup of the team, I would expect them to make a move of lesser impact as opposed to a move to land Halladay or Peavy.  With that said, here are the four names I think Sox fans should watch for come July 31.

1.) Jack Wilson SS, Pirates

The Julio Lugo experiment is mercifully over and while Nick Green as filled in nicely for the injured Jed Lowrie, the Red Sox may look for a more well-rounded player as opposed to Green and Lowrie, who are not great at any one thing.  Wilson has long been known for his excellent defensive abilities.

He is due $7.25 million this season and has a club option for $8.4 million in 2010.

2.) Michael Cuddyer OF/1B, Twins

I personally love this guy!  He is a right-handed hitter with good power to all fields.  The best thing about him is that he can play all three outfield positions and can occasionally play first base.  He has a decent glove and would be a serviceable replacement for J.D. Drew, who is either injured or not playing because a $14 million player still can't hit a left-hander. 

Cuddyer is signed through the 2010 season with a 2011 club option.  He is scheduled to make $6.75 million this season.  The Twins may not make him available come the deadline, but it would be a great deadline move for the stretch run.

3.) Doug Davis P, Diamondbacks

Davis could be a serviceable fifth starter or potentially a long reliever for a team like the Red Sox.  He has been very durable throughout the bulk of his career.  He has a good curveball, which would be valuable to have against the division rivals come September.  He can be inconsistent at times, but seems to keep a good head on his shoulders when times get tough on the mound.

Davis is in the final year of a three-year, $22 million deal that will pay him $8.75 million this season.

4.) Victor Martinez C/1B, Indians

I think most of Red Sox nation agrees the Sox need another bat. This might be the best hitter not named Matt Holliday to be made available for this year’s trade frenzy.  Martinez is not a great defensive catcher by any means, but with the struggles of George Kottaras at the plate they may look for an alternative option while Jason Varitek gets his normal rest every fifth day. 

Now I know what your thinking Sox nation.  This guy Ryan is crazy!  Martinez would never be able to catch Tim Wakefield and his knuckleball.  But Wakefield is on the shelf now with back problems and those tend to linger.  Martinez may still be somebody they target a week from now.  Besides, he can also play first base! 

Martinez is hitting .289 with 14 HR and 61 RBI with a .846 OPS.

He is in the final year of his five-year, $15.5 million contract that will pay him $5.7 million in this the final year of his deal.  There is a $7 million club option for 2010.