Damon defects

Johnny Damon signed a four-year, $52 million deal with the Stinkins. The deal makes the Stinkins better at a key defensive position and gives them a bona-fide leadoff man. But just as importantly to the Stinkins, signing Damon makes the Red Sox weaker.

There are few good center-field options for the Red Sox, who have another hole up the middle, at shortstop. They pretty much have to go after Jeremy Reed of the Mariners now, which up until yesterday probably meant losing Matt Clement. However, with the Red Sox low on options, that price may have just gone up.

If you're looking for a silver lining in this signing, think of how that contract will look when Damon is 36.

Peter Gammons said on ESPN that the Damon signing might force the Sox to keep Manny Ramirez, but just as likely it could force the Sox to trade him. Manny is just about the only player with any serious trade value left on the team, and they have holes all over the field. To fill the void in center, the Sox could dangle Manny to try to get Carlos Beltran from the Mets. I would want another player too, perhaps for the bullpen, coming back, but that would solve the center field issue and put another solid bat in the order. Beltran might not be the prototypical leadoff hitter, but he has speed and if can keep his OBP up, he could fill that role nicely, especially in the AL, where leadoff hitters get more RBI opportunities thanks to the stupid DH.

Speaking of leadoff hitters, the Sox missed out an opportunity to sign a player who could fill that role as well as play the outfield when Kenny Lofton signed with the Dodgers. It may be worth looking into how much LA values him. Besides, the Dodgers obviously like Red Sox -- Derrick Lowe, Grady Little, Bill Mueller and Nomah Gahciaparra all will wear Dodger blue next season. Maybe David Wells can bring a speedy leadoff hitter to Boston. It would be nice to have at least one player with wheels.

As for the talk surrounding Troy Glaus: Only if he can play first base. How many third basemen can one team have?

I don't care how long it is until spring training: Things aren't looking good in Boston. No first baseman. No shortstop. No closer. No center fielder. Mike Lowell. And very few options.