Boston Red Sox

Well, here we are.  Just one more trade until I discuss what I believe is the worst one in baseball history and for No. 2, I’ve picked a good one. 

Boston general manager Theo Epstein has had his own formula for success.  It's a version of "money ball," where he values things like on base percentage more than batting average and how a guy fits in with the Red Sox organization.

As well as not paying high dollars or giving a lot of years to older players.  It's as if there is a sign on Yawkey Way that reads, "Anyone over 30 need not apply."

WOW!

That's what came to mind when I read about the Washington Nationals signing OF Jayson Werth to a 7-year $126 million deal. Jayson Werth? Really?

That got me thinking. If Werth can command that kind of money, what is Carl Crawford worth? In the simplest terms, he is worth more. Let's take a look at a few ways Jayson Werth made sure he is going to get it.

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With the winter meetings under way and the dust settled on the first blockbuster deal of the offseason, it is time to look at who are going to be the keys for the Red Sox to be the last team sipping champagne.

Some say another bat, such as a superstar like Carl Crawford or a role player like Josh Willingham, is necessary to be the World Series favorites (assuming the Yankees sign Cliff Lee).

Some say go after Cliff Lee because of his postseason resume and the fact he would look HORRIBLE in pinstripes.

As a Red Sox fan, I'm as happy as anyone that the Red Sox have acquired Adrian Gonzalez. However, Boston's work is far from done in this offseason: if they are to succeed in 2011 and beyond, the Red Sox need Carl Crawford and several relievers.

The trade appeared finished on Saturday, was dead in the water on Sunday, and on Monday, the Boston Red Sox unveiled their new first baseman, Adrian Gonzalez, to the media.

In a trade years in the making, the Red Sox sent top pitching prospect Casey Kelly, outfielder Raymond Fuentes, and power-hitting first baseman Anthony Rizzo to the San Diego Padres. In return, they get a player long-coveted by Boston’s front office.

Despite rumblings that a trade would not go through due to the belief that a long-term contract would not get done, Adrian Gonzalez was traded from the San Diego Padres to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for coveted pitching prospect Casey Kelly, first base prospect Anthony Rizzo, outfielder Reymond Fuentes and a player to be named later.

Adrian Gonzalez is officially a member of the Boston Red Sox. He was introduced during a brief, 30 minute press conference at Fenway Park this afternoon.

Now that the dust has cleared, Red Sox fans want to know how he'll do in Boston.

The past 24 hours have been quite a roller coaster for Red Sox nation.  First they received news that one of the games premier sluggers, the coveted Adrian Gonzalez, was going to be the team's new first basemen.  

Then it was reported that the front office could not agree with the slugger on an extension and the trade was now dead, along with hope of a World Series contender next season.  Now, according to a report, Gonzalez has been acquired, again.

Adrian Gonzalez is reportedly close to officially becoming a member of the Boston Red Sox, despite the fact that the two sides have failed to reach a contract extension.