Boston Red Sox

In the post-trading deadline world that the Boston Red Sox now occupy, it's best to watch games with an eye on 2015 rather than the scoreboard.

The Sox still boast plenty of talented players, to be sure. But there are going to be many rough stretches in the coming weeks as young players are allowed to take their licks and sink or swim at the major league level.

Allen Craig was acquired by the Boston Red Sox prior to the trade deadline, but a bum ankle has limited him to just one game with his new team. It turns out the severity of the injury is enough to keep the outfielder out for a lot longer. 

According to MLB writer Maureen Mullen, Craig will be placed on the 15-day disabled list because of his faulty ankle:

Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross left as quickly as he returned and has been placed on the 15-day disabled list after aggravating an injury Friday.  

The team confirmed the news on Twitter and detailed further roster shuffling to make up for the lost production:

Shane Victorino was a key factor in the Boston Red Sox's run to a World Series in 2013. This year, however, he's been unable to stay on the field, playing just 30 games and landing back on the disabled list with back and hamstring problems.

Jon Lester has made all 241 of his career major league starts with the Red Sox. He may not get a chance for No. 242 with Boston, though. 

The team's official Twitter feed confirmed that the 30-year-old will be scratched from Wednesday's start, sparking speculation that he will be dealt before Thursday's trade deadline:

Jon Lester is a rental.

There seems to be a rather potent stigma around the R-word at this point in baseball, but rarely do contenders have such an open shot at acquiring a legitimate ace to only further the short-term agenda.

The 2014 MLB trade deadline is closing in. Some teams are putting together rosters to propel them into the postseason, while others are selling talent to stock up on prospects. 

The Boston Red Sox are currently toward the bottom of the AL East. Should the Sox trade away some of their biggest names and throw in the towel for 2014 or trade a few small pieces and hope for a late run? 

The July 31 MLB trade deadline is less than two weeks away.

Despite their disappointing 2014 season, the Boston Red Sox are one of baseball's better-positioned franchises when it comes to immediate future success. They have a wealth of talent in the minor leagues, several established stars in the majors who should continue to perform and young studs who are just cutting their teeth at the MLB level.

The Boston Red Sox have had a very disappointing 2014 season.