The Redsox are STILL in the market for a closer. With Manny and Drew on the corners and Coco Crisp in CF, they have some give when it comes to moving Willy Mo Pena. I know the masses have lost faith in Turnbow and think that Cordero is the Dominican Rollie Fingers, but Pena would give us an unreal offensive lineup, one that would rival anyone in the National League. I want to see Cordero offered to Boston. I guess my problem is that I still believe in Turnbow. I believe that Jose Capellan is ready to take a more prominent role in the Pen as a setup guy. I believe Matt Wise can return to form. I believe Cordero is a really good closer and a frickin blast to watch pitch, but he isnt as great as he looked here in his brief stint in Milwaukee. The Redsox Pen is really pretty deep at this time. Kevin Donnely, JC Romero, Mike Timlin, Wilie Taverez, Craig Hansen, and Hideki Okajima are all real solid. That leaves some real nice arms on the outside looking in. Lefty - Kason Gabbard, whom would make an excellent long relief man. He worked out of both the Pen and as a starter in 2006. Lefty - Craig Brieslow - who ironically enough was drafted by the Brewers in 2002. RHP - Manny Declarmen - was one of the brightest prospects in the Redsox organization until he was derailed by Tommy John Surgery in 2003. Came back from Tommy John and now throws a high 90s fastball along with a plus curve and good changeup. No doubt that he would be a nice addition to the Brewers BP. My proposal would be to give the Sox Jenkins and Cordero and in return take Pena and Manny Declarmen and one of John Sickels top 10 Redsox Prospects : 1 Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Grade B+ (not as much power as Damon but otherwise similar) 2 Clay Buchholz, RHP, Grade B+ (good combination of stuff and command) 3 Michael Bowden, RHP, Grade B+ (good combination of stuff and command) 4 Craig Hansen, RHP B+ (I am still optimistic about him but he was rushed) 5 Lars Anderson, 1B, B (I love this guy, enormous power potential) 6 Daniel Bard, RHP, B (Best stuff in the system but may need more time than other college arms) 7 Dustin Pedroia, 2B, B (Another personal favorite) 8 George Kottaras , C, B (Should be ready in 2008, solid player but not terrific) 9 Justin Masterson, RHP, B (Underrated ground ball artist with great control) 10 Bryce Cox, RHP, B- (Great arm but Rice pitchers scare me) Most will probably say we are giving up too much here but I really dont think so. Getting Pena would put our offense over the top. Jenkins would be a real nice 4th OF for Boston and his salary will look like pennies to Theo Epstein. The deal might also help keep Manny happy, because I believe he and CoCo are good friends. 2007 Milwaukee Brewers 1. 2b Rickie Weeks R - We will live and die by his leadoff skills 2. rf - Corey Hart R - gets to build on a good 2006 3. 1b - Prince Fielder L - With some real boppers behind him - big things on the horizon 4. cf - Willy Mo Pena R - Pitchers will have to come after him with Koskie behind and Prince in front. 5. C - Johnny Estrada - S - Having a switch hitter in the middle of the order is going to make things real tough on opposing bullpens. The Majority of Estradas career has been out of the 5 spot. 6. lf - Bill Hall - R put up best numbers hitting 6th last year - 7.3b - Corey Koskie L .910 OPS out of the 7 spot in career. 8. SS - JJ Hardy - put him on a no pressure spot in the order and hope that he can fulfil his potential. Bench -------------- Miller Mench Gross Counsell Graffanino Available for trade - Brady Clark - we keep Mench because he would provide a right handed power bat off the bench. Rotation ------------- Sheets Capuano Bush Suppan Vargas Bullpen ------------- Wise Shouse Capellan Turnbow Aquino Declarman Its just a random thought and bound to be an unpopular one because of all the Coco love around here. If Turnbow should falter(which I really do not think he will) then Capellan can get a shot at the closer role or even Aquino. I truly believe that you can make a great closer (kolb, dejean, papelbon, bj ryan, joe nathan, borowski, chris ray). I also remember when we acquired Capellan MANY of us thought that his stuff was best suited for a future closer role. Anyhow - happy new years - I hope 2007 is your best year yet.