Only the RS would let an opportunity like that slip through their fingers without ever making an attempt to fill the most glaring hole they have. Even if Pap bounces back,he will be gone next year. Was this part of the “well thought out plan” that Theo talks about.What they got was AG and CC.While these moves certainly make the club better, what they needed to bury the Yankees,and the rest of the league, was Cliff Lee and Mo,while keeping Vmart and Beltre, as the others returned to health.

Robert there’s no way they could have afforded to give out those kinds of offers. That’s like $75 mil+ per year added to the payroll. Plus you honestly think that the Yanks would let Mo walk to the Sox? They would have ponied up the money, probably at least to 20 mil for 3 or 4 years.

In response to keeping V Mart who certainly was a plus for the Sox, It would have messed up the trade for Gonzales at first base. There was no place to play Martinez except as a catcher and I believe the brass didn’t feel he could play at that position for 4 years. In addition the Sox pick up draft picks which would replace those lost when they signed Crawford. They also get picks for Beltre and if he were signed where does Youkalis play. Relief pitching and one more back up catcher will put them as a serious contender and the draft picks will keep them there. From what I have read the signing of Gonzales helped sign Crawford. The only thing I can think of that would be more exciting would be to sign Tom Brady to be a relief pitcher and Welcher as a catcher. He catches everything.

I concur w/ Steve’s post. There’s no way they could add Lee ,plus keep AB and V-Mart,after getting AG & CC. Who wants Lee is the 6th and 7th year of the contract he’s commanding? Will Lee be worth 20mil per at ages 38 & 39? I think not. That’s a bad contract waiting to happen. They will add a couple of good relievers and maybe Martin. I dont see how anyone could really complain about this off-season.(especially after last years off-season)Some people don’t have a realistic idea of the economical landscape, you can’t sign everyone that’s out there.

Robert if you are not happy with the way things went this winter, you’re crazy. And, there’s still a good chance Lee doesn’t sign with New York. Relievers are a dime a dozen, we have enough offense right now that will get us to the trade deadline next July; it will be then that Theo will address the bullpen if need be.

Steve,I love the moves they have made,but how many RS teams over the years fell just short because of pitching. Maybe Lee doesn’t make sense in the long run,but a stealth move to steal Mo for two or three years could have happenned in this strange off season,as we now see Lee going to Philly.Who knows if he would ever have come here, but it would have been worth the effort.With Downs gone,they will have to act fast and sign two decent guys for the pen,otherwise, AG and CC, while fun to watch, won’t make enough of a difference.Maybe they should consider Soriano,while having Pap take care of the 7th inning.Jon wouldn’t like it, but he is leaving anyway.

Mark, we are all happy with what they have done so far,but it is not enough.After Lester, Buck and Bard,and maybe Pap, their pitching stinks.Their only chance is to fortify that bullpen with four effective relievers. Mo was right out there for the taking,as was Downs and Putz.

Guys, guys! We have no right to complain. We got plenty. Keep the faith. We got Atchison, Dubronte, Tazawa, Bowden, Wake or Dice, Paps, Bard, and 2 or 3 farm hands… we could be better, we probably will be better, after Spring we’ll tell. And Theo may just have one more trick up that sleeve. In the mean time GET EXCITED!! All Boston sports fans do is complain! Get with the program and have FUN watching the GAME! HO-HO MERRY CHRISTMAS! GO SOX!

Scott you have the proper frame of mind and I do think that Theo will work on improving the pen. Mo wasn’t coming here no matter what the Sox offered, and the Yanks would have made sure of that. Theo isn’t done working his magic yet. It’s already been a very good Christmas season for me and Red Sox Nation. Merry Christmas and GO SOX!!!!

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