Hi there folks. My name is Chris daCamara. I'm a student at Northeastern and a die hard sox fan. I'm a new columnist to redsox2000.com. Thanks for welcoming me. Also, thanks for taking the time to read my views on things.

Well friends, I think we're closer than ever before to having what it takes to be Champions...

I understand that closer Derek Lowe has signed a 4 yr deal with the Sox for 10 million. Is he really worth it? Granted the 26 year old Lowe, had 15 saves and pitched in 74 games with 109 1/3 innings and 80 strikeouts last season. However, we need an overpowering, intimidating closer to complete the lineup of a Championship ball club. Lowe can be very useful as a middle-reliever.

Secondly, I think we need to face the issue on the right side of the infield. Although he's got speed and he's an effective Lead-off man, Offerman is a TERRIBLE infielder. He hurts our double play ability. Because he's so effective on offense, let's say we keep him in the lineup at DH. Then what happens to Daubach and Stanley? Hmm, what to do? what to do? I don't have a solution for you, but something needs to be done.

As for the rest of the ingredients for a championship team, they're all coming along very nicely. As I scrolled down the batting order for opening day, I was impressed with the offensive weapons 3,4,5,6 Daubach, Nomar, O'Leary, Everett... LOOK OUT! We got the guns folks, we just need to shoot often. Don't forget to aim at those Damn Yankmees...err I mean Yankees. Not only is the offense impressive, but we're in good shape defensively too (with the exception of 2B). The rest of the pitching staff will come along. Ramon has got a lot more than what he shows. The others will follow suit with the Martinez Bros' success.

Lastly with the addition of outfielder, Carl Everett, the Sox's attributes (endowments) should prove for an interesting season, and an even better post season. It'd be nice to have a batting title race between players on the same team, namely Everett and Nomar.

Quote of the day (from espn.com) "It wasn't a game. It was a terrible event." -- Tom Kelly, Twins manager, after his team lost to the Red Sox 13-4 in Boston's home opener.

DAC