Red Sox Watching Trade Deadline Rather Than Trading

Another day, another deal, and again, silence from the Boston front office.

The Red Sox are watching as the American League contenders are continually making themselves better around them. In a second move in the last week, the Yankees have acquired Ivan Rodriguez as a short term rental to replace Jorge Posada. To acquire Pudge, the Yankees sent Kyle Farnsworth to the Tigers.

This particular trade addresses major issues for both clubs, especially the Yankees, who have addressed all of their questions outside of adding a 5th starter. But have no fear loyal listeners, there is still time and the front office in the Bronx has been hot on the heels of Jarrod Washburn for the better part of the last few weeks and it is likely that a deal will be worked out before Thursday's deadline.

Not to be outdone, the Rays are rumored to be in hot pursuit of Pirate left fielder Jason Bay, adding the much needed punch to their own line-up. Bay would make all sorts of sense for Tampa, as it would give them some thump in the middle of the order, something they are lacking outside of Evan Longoria. The Rays have the farm system to aid them in picking up whatever pieces they see fit at the deadline, so I wouldn't be surprised to see them land a big name before the closing bell is rung.

On the heels of all these moves, where does this leave the Red Sox? Already struggling to keep their heads above water, Boston has seen everyone around them get better, quickly. Meanwhile, they themselves have had to spend way to much time shopping Manny Ramirez, who is all of a sudden getting more face time than the President.

The latest rumor involving Ramirez would have him going to Florida for either Jeremy Hermida or Josh Willingham. Hermida could be a solid player, but he represents a downgrade from Ramirez in every facet and his left-handed bat would handicap the Sox against Southpaw pitchers for the remainder of the season. Willingham is probably a better power prospect, but he himself has struggled with a back issue that would make him more of a question mark than an asset at this stage of the season. So needless to say, on the Manny front, there is only one soldier out there, and he's bleeding out. The Marlins make sense in terms of a team willing to meet Ramirez's demand to not pick up his option at the end of the season, as $20 million would fly in the face of anything the Marlins have ever shown under the current ownership group. Still, it is highly unlikely unless Boston can suddenly get themselves into the Jason Bay or Matt Holliday sweepstakes.

Boston's only serious consideration should be adding a bullpen arm at this point. Rumors surrounding either the Braves Will Ohman, Oakland's Huston Street, or Kansas City's Ron Mahay. All would be solid additions to the Sox bullpen, which should be starting to realize that Craig Hanson isn't a viable option.

Sheesh, speculation and the competition in the American League is killing me. I need to put this to bed before an aneurysm pops in my head.