[MVB]

The Boston Globe reported on Friday that the BoSox might be seeking Jake Peavy, San Diego's left-handed ace. Peavy may be included in a deal involving Manny Ramirez heading over to the west coast.

By adding Peavy, the Sox instantly would have one of baseball's most formidable rotations, Peavy joining Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, converted closer Jonathan Papelbon, and Tim Wakefield. That doesn't factor in the prized Japanese righthander, Daisuke Matsuzaka, for whom the Sox are engaged in difficult negotiations with agent Scott Boras. Even there, Peavy could be of additional benefit to the Sox, increasing their leverage with Boras. Why would the Padres part with Peavy, who led the National League in ERA in 2004 (2.27), led the NL in strikeouts in 2005 (216), was second in whiffs last season with 215, and has a contract that in today's inflated market is a steal? He's due to be paid $4.75 million next season and $6 million in 2008, with the team holding an option of $8 million in 2009 (the option has escalators that could make it worth $11 million).

If Boston can complete this deal and successfully sign Daisuke Matsuzaka, they'll definitely have the best starting rotation in baseball. But, I still think the loss of Manny Ramirez will destroy their potent lineup, making them a team similar to the Oakland A's- good pitching, no hitting.

What are your thoughts?

[EmpireWF]

If the Red Sox can sign Matsuzaka and trade for Peavy...wow, they'd have to be considered the early favorites in the AL East.

[joeytheking23]

AL East....whole AL imo, we can sign someone to fill Manny's spot, not manny, but not bad production. We would have the best pitching rotation in the league. We have a couple of good outfield prospects too, I hear

[Lefty Noob]

I agree with Empire - that would be an incredible rotation, and would go a long way toward making them AL East favorites.

[MVB]

Originally Posted by joeytheking23

AL East....whole AL imo, we can sign someone to fill Manny's spot, not manny, but not bad production. We would have the best pitching rotation in the league. We have a couple of good outfield prospects too, I hear

Who'd fill in Manny's slot? It would have to be someone with a ton of power to back up Ortiz. If you stick a mediocre player in the #4 hole, Papi gets nothing to hit.

In my opnion, I think it's more important for the Sox to keep Manny, then to get Peavy. What good is a solid rotation without some strong bats providing support?

[EmpireWF]

Originally Posted by MVB

What good is a solid rotation without some strong bats providing support?

I think the Yankees case would beg to differ. They never have the pitching and they've failed for the past six years. If the Red Sox can pull a rotation of Schilling, Beckett, Matsuzaka, Peavy and Papelbon....watch out.

[MVB]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

I think the Yankees case would beg to differ. They never have the pitching and they've failed for the past six years. If the Red Sox can pull a rotation of Schilling, Beckett, Matsuzaka, Peavy and Papelbon....watch out.

Actually, no. The Yankees would never trade their powerful offense for the best starting pitching in baseball. They'd like to have both.

A successful team needs a good offensive lineup. In the American League, successful teams need a very good offensive lineup. In the American League East, teams need a superb offensive lineup in order to be successful.

Yes, pitching is key, but you do need to have a few bats. Trading away Ramirez (and consequently eliminating Ortiz' bat), kills a lineup like Boston's, especially when playing against teams like the Yankees, Angels, ChiSox, Tigers, Twins, and A's.

[BIG Z]

Originally Posted by MVB

Actually, no. The Yankees would never trade their powerful offense for the best starting pitching in baseball. They'd like to have both.

A successful team needs a good offensive lineup. In the American League, successful teams need a very good offensive lineup. In the American League East, teams need a superb offensive lineup in order to be successful.

Yes, pitching is key, but you do need to have a few bats. Trading away Ramirez (and consequently eliminating Ortiz' bat), kills a lineup like Boston's, especially when playing against teams like the Yankees, Angels, ChiSox, Tigers, Twins, and A's.

redsox lose Manny, they lose alot, and would not be considered a fav.

Don't forget to add the Indians, with there hitters and starting pitching, there going to be in the hunt. just need a bullpen. which they are working on now.

[EmpireWF]

The Red Sox would hurt a bit without Manny but it's not like they'd have Trot Nixon backing Ortiz up. Drew isn't amazing but he's decent enough to have some power back there.

And anyway, I'd take the Red Sox rotation (with the trade) over any other in the AL.

[ThePundit]

Be careful of NL pitchers coming into the AL. Look at Josh Beckett - He got whacked around last year. Plus who knows how Papleban will do as a starter. That's a whole different ball of wax.