My mistake.

That seemed like a bad comp.

Matusz has much better stuff than Kennedy had.

Because all I’ve ever heard about him is a solid fastball, three major league plus offspeed pitches, and plus control. If he threw 97, he’d be Felix Hernandez.

as well as Cliff Lee.

Ive also seen it that the Sox turned down VMart for Buchholz - and it makes more sense if the Sox turned down Buchholz+ for VMart, IMO. I have to think if the Tribe got offered Buchholz for VMart they could probably have found a middle ground by now. Conversely, if the Sox had decided to give up Buchholz in a deal they would probably not have blinked if Cleveland asked for a bit more. This also makes sense in light of that Bowden/Masterson + offer.

Jon Heyman reported today that the Sox are frustrated and not getting anywhere on VMart so theyve been focusing on Adrian Gonzalez. Frankly, I dont see much chance of either happening. The Red Sox are very good as they stand now. They would absolutely love to get a middle of the order hitter, but there really isnt a pressing need on this club.

Theo Epstein loves to add impact players at the deadline and is very creative when doing so… so you never want to say never, but I just can’t believe theyd part with so many of their top prospects. They adore Clay Buchholz, though there are (totally unsubstantiated) murmurs of frustration with off field stuff. Nothing bad, but coachability sort of stuff you could say… nothing out of the norm for young kids. They still love him and think he’s going to be a 1/2 starter. Its really hard to see them parting with… even for a VMart.

Its really tough to say right now… I think I see Boston standing pat or making another non-major move. Theyd like to get someone who can hit RHPs and play the OF (preferably an infield corner, too). Right now the only backup OFer is Baldelli. Nate Green is the 5th OFer at this point. That’s not gonna cut it.

I dont see any chance of Adrian Gonzalez. The price will be sky high. Cliff Lee would be nice, but I also can’t see them paying that price. I wouldnt be shocked to see them swoop in on Halladay. I think VMart is the most likely of those four, but not particularly likely. Im sure the Rays having interest in Lee and VMart is a major factor in their interest as well.

VMart would be an ideal fit. Switch hitter, Can play catcher and 1B. They can rotate Tek, LaRoche, Lowell and VMart (with a lion’s share going to VMart). That will allow them to play matchups a lot, will strengthen the bench a great deal and provide complete insurance in case of a Lowell injury. Further, the extra rest for Tek and Lowell certainly couldnt hurt, either.

I kind of rambled here… its just a very tough call on what they will do. Ive gone back and forth on it a lot. I wouldnt be shocked either way. Personally, I would love to see VMart in Boston… but I just wouldnt give up Clay Buchholz for pretty much anyone. I still see a future Ace there.