Not that I wouldn't love to see them come back, but am I the only one a little baffled by these rumors of the Sox reaquiring Orlando Cabrera and/or Dave Roberts?
It didn't make a whole lot of sense to let either of those guys go last year, but how does the team justify bring them back, particularly since it will involve dishing Manny and David Wells.
At this point, is it being left unsaid that Boy Wonder Theo screwed up big time last winter? I'll be eternally grateful to him for putting together the first championship team in 86 years but his record from last year is, well, not so good.
Pedro and Derek Lowe are both allowed to walk, and both have better seasons than 2004 (though they may have the National League's lack of DH to thank).
They are replaced by Matt Clement who was good in the first half, lousy in the second.
David Wells, who was pretty good.
Wade Miller (LOL)
Matt Mantei (LOLOL)
John Halama (LOLOLOL)
Cabrera is replaced by Edgar Renteria, who's an expensive bust that they're trying to unload. This one is especially mystifying -- Renteria goes from Gold Glover to worst fielding short stop around, and blames difficulty playing a pressure-cooker city like Boston? Wasn't Theo supposed to be an expert on chemistry?
Playoff hero Roberts is dealt for Jay Payton, who whined his way out of town.
With the Sox hurting for better pitching, Theo couldn't get a deal done. But he walks away, and in a matter of weeks, the team acquires a 25 year old pitcher who was the 2003 World Series MVP.
Just about the only decent deal Theo pulled off last year was for Tony Graffanino. It was nice knowing you, Tony -- say hello to Mark Loretta on your way out! And Jason Varitek and Kelly Shoppach, let's hope you figured out Wake's knuckler!
Anyway, somehow I think there will be life after Theo.