Trade complete

The Sox, Indians and Phillies have completed the trade that fills the hole in the Sox outfield. But the Sox gave up a well-regarded prospect in Andy Marte, and kept Mike Lowell and his sagging offensive numbers at third.

They still need a shortstop, having traded both Edgar Renteria and Hanley Ramirez while Craig Shipley, Bill Lajoie, Jed Hoyer and Ben Cherington were minding the store. Lest you think that's all the damage done in Theo's absence, keep in mind that while the Sox were playing GM by committee, Johnny Damon signed with the Stinkins, B.J. Ryan signed with Toronto and Billy Wagner signed with the Mutts. There was probably little that would've been done differently with regard to Damon and the Mutts overpaid like crazy for Wagner, but I sure would've liked to see Ryan at the back of the bullpen this season. Call me crazy, but I don't think Keith Foulke is likely to return to his 2004 form two years and one knee surgery later.

I was hoping not to hear the words "bullpen" and "committee" in the same sentence this season. Especially considering how well that approach worked in the front office. Perhaps signing Roger Clemens would allow hard-throwing Jon Papelbon to assume the closer's role, assuming he's got the mental makeup for the job.