Sox Knox

So here we are, 1 day away from the trade deadline of July 31. Of course, trades can still take place after that date, but the players must clear waivers first before a trade goes through.

The Red Sox have some issues that need to be addressed. The bullpen could really use some competence and consistency beyond what it's been able to do this year. The catcher position has really gone downhill from an offensive standpoint - Jason Varitek is batting .215 at last look and Cash was never going to be another Pudge Fisk, though he handles Wakefield well. Jacoby Ellsbury has fallen off the map offensively. And there's always the everlasting saga of Manny being Manny.

At this point in the season, the Red Sox' hold on 2nd place in their division seems tenuous. They lost a three game series to the Yankees and have done so as well against the potent Angels. The Rays don't show any indications of rolling over and playing dead either.

The Yankees made a good deal and acquired Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte from the Pirates. The Angels have traded for Mark Texiera from the Braves. They have both improved their teams with players in which it was rumored the Sox were interested.

And the Red Sox have done - nothing.

The "brilliance" of Theo Epstein seems to have been trumped this season. Maybe the Sox don't need to shore up any positions to make it to the post season - there's still a lot of baseball to play.

But as things stand right now, I'd say it's time for RSN to lower expectations.

Just Had to Post This...

Ran across this quote on someone's Facebook site and loved it!

If a man makes a statement in the forest and his wife is not there to hear it, is he still wrong?
- Unknown