Though I was not disappointed at all, I was sort of hoping to hear the words Bartolo Colon come out of their mouths. Which is sort of weird since I've been campaigning for another bat for a while now.

What does this mean? First off our line-up just got a huge jolt. Not sure about the lefty situation, but against righties I expect Floyd will bat in the 5 spot. Which will allow Shea to stay in the 6-7 spot (perfect for him) and for Tek to go back to 7-8, which is where he belongs to begin with.

With Floyd, Manny, Damon, and Trot taking up the 3 OF spots and the DH, I expect we'll see allot of Daubach at first base for the rest of the season. This is another big plus in that we'll start to see some production from first base for the first time all season.

There is also the matter of the 25-man roster. Since only minor leaguers were traded from the Sox in this deal someone has to go. Obviously it won't be a pitcher, so I can't help but think that Offerman's time has finally come. The only other options are Clark, Merloni, and Baerga. Carlos and Lou aren't going anywhere, and since Clark is the better clubhouse guy of what remains, it has to be Jose that gets the hook. Buh Bye.

Also during the announcement of the trade, management said they weren't necessarily done, which I hope translates into a pitcher, be it for the pen or the rotation. Not that I'm lowering my standards, but with the added bat to the line-up Kenny Rogers suddenly doesn't seem too bad. But that's only if we can get him for peanuts, no way I'm willing to give up Fossum for him. Fossum for Thome? Yes. Fossum for Colon? Definitely. Fossum for Rogers? I kill you!

Trot, Tek, and Dauber stayed hot, and it was awesome to see Shea take Ortiz yard after a knockdown pitch (even though he needed Molina to make and error to stay alive).

We have some hope now folks. Twenty-four hours ago our team was not constructed to be a playoff contender. Amazing how things can change in the blink of an eye.

paul@redsox2000.com