DieHardSoxFan1

Papelbon is definitely ready right now, and that's why he'll be in our starting rotation in April. If I was in your position I'd absolutely ask for him in the deal, but the Red Sox organization loves the kid. Shoppach is 25 I believe and was horrible in his first 15 AB's (small sample size I know). He's pretty good defensively and hits for power. K's a ton as well. I was just thinking about this: If the Marlins are going to trade Delgado (which it appears), then the Mets are the obvious trading partners. I see no reason why Omar Minaya wouldn't put Milledge and Petit into that deal. If Florida plays their cards right, they could end up with Hanley, Lester, Milledge, and Petit on their roster in 2007, which would undoubtedly give them the best core of young players in the league with Cabrera and Willis on the roster and with Hermedia on his way up.

Lester will certainly be in the majors in 2006, and definitely before September. With the Dodgers jumping in this thing, we may have to include Lester in this deal to top their offer.

Classic post, 2003. We'll thrown in Papelbon, Lester, Hanley and Ortiz (while paying his salary) to meet your demands. I'd be surprised to see Lester in this deal -- I didn't say it won't happen. But I'll bet my bottom dollar that Papelbon isn't involved in this deal in any way. And what are the chances that Lo Duca is dealt off in this firesale? He's not a very good hitting catcher, by any means, so does Shoppach attract interest from the Marlins F.O.?

Just a few thoughts here from a Red Sox fan POV: Papelbon is not on the table under any circumstance. I'd be very very surprised to see Lester involved in the deal. He's widely considered to be their #1 prospect and should be in the majors by June at the latest. Hanley's tools are always touted as some of the best in all the minor leagues by scouts/experts/etc. We're still waiting for that big year with the bat, but he could probably win a gold glove right now. Sanchez absolutely dominated at A+ and AA this season. He hit a wall late in the season, but the guy is a hell of a prospect. I don't know why Shoppach isn't being thrown in this deal. I've heard no talk of us spinning Lowell to another team. Although I'd love to get Romero in our pen from the Twins.