Theo Epstein is perhaps the most talented smartest GM in Baseball. The Red Sox get to keep Buccholz plus other top talent after the trading deadline. He did what every GM in the game is suppose to do, test the waters on the best available players out there. The Red Sox pitching staff just needs to be consistent going towards the last two months of the season. In the end, Victor Martinez comes to Boston - a player that should have been in the Red Sox lineup a long time ago.

This is a win win. Good Job Theo.

Very Aggressive.....how, He got the one player who will not....help the Red Sox......all he will do is take time from either Tek...Youk or Lowell...Agressive. I don't see it....we can kiss this year goodbye....unless Martinez is a pitcher

Thanks for the negative comments lindy888. I get your point of view. Here's what just happened. We now have 5 players for three positions. 4 of them play excellent defense and 3 are good/great hitters. All that happened today was increased versatility and insurance against injury. That's all and that's great.
We have pitching and more importantly we have pitching for the playoffs. Theo just took a team that was designed for 162 games and refined it for October. Well done.

I have a feeling Theo thinks Martinez complements the roster. Probably not compliments, though.

Kept waiting for a big move, Martinez is not a big move. Hope Clay comes along cuz a pitcher is what we needed. Kotchman is Mankiewicz, and we needed more.

lindy888- you really need to realize what the limitations of Varitek and Lowell are. Martinez ABSOLUTELY helps the Sox in a number of ways. First, although Varitek is a switch hitter, Martinez has much better power numbers. Secondly, Martinez can slide to ist base when Youk plays 3rd to give Lowell a rest. He is very versatile addition to the roster. The Red Sox have had a number of problems in their lineup this year. Placing Martinez in that lineup should change the dynamic extensively. Certain hitters will begin seeing better pitches to hit. Overall, Martinez will have a very positive impact, on and off the field. When the Sox are winning 6-4 instead of losing 4-1, I think you'll quickly "see" why Theo went after this guy.

This may not be the most politically correct thing to say, but the Sox went into this season knowing that the Captain had unfortunately become probably the weakest link on the team and trying aggressively to replace him, and now they can either ease him out gracefully or completely sub him with an All-Star, which should be a huge improvement. The Sox had already covered for Mike Lowell's injuries with Adam LaRoche, and replacing him with Casey Kotchman probably doesn't add much of anything. It would have been better if the Sox had been able to use LaRoche to shore up the shortstop position instead. Now, let's just hope that the Sox "rest" the Captain as much as possible and that their pitching holds up. Go Sox!

Looks like current Redsox management does not want to spend money. Unless our pitching gets better it is going to be next to impossible to achieve anything this year.

Out batting lineup is like having hiccups in every single game. Yankees are getting hot and unless they screw up badly this is a lost year..

What the team really needs, other than a fresh arm, is another strong out fielder that can hit, hello who can't see that? They didn't lock Bay up and we can see how that is affecting his game every night. If Martinez stays around for next year he will be a good fit because I don't see Tek playing with the Sox next year.

I agree. Two good deals. How do we replace Masterson's versatility? Smoltz to the pen, perhaps (whenwakfield returns)? We will see.

Lindy888 - What on God's green Earth are you talking about??? Theo landed on the baseballs better young players who can help at three positions. He gave up nothing of consequence - Masterson had hit a wall and was headed towards the wrong side of it, plus no one could figure out what to do with him, start him or bullpen him. With a club option on Martinez for next year, we have Tek's eventual replacement lined up. I love Mike Lowell but his hip and age meant a reduced 2010 role anyway, with Youk moving over to 3rd. Martinez lets Tek rest a bit more, Lowell rest a bit more.... It IS a win win. Yes, I'd love to see a reliable starter, but maybe they keep Bucholtz in the rotation when Wakefield comes back and move Smoltz to the pen.

Well our biggest need was not addressed a shortstop who can field and hit. I like the addition of Martinez because now we can tell Boras to seek employment elsewhere for Tek in 2010 Halladay is still in Toronto so we will still have to face him. Bay will be a free agent and Smoltz Penny and Wake are probably gone for the 2010 season. We will need at least one maybe two starters in 2010. Is Taz gonna be ready or Bowden then again Paplebon could return to the rotation and use Bard as the closer. I am so glad Theo didn't trade Bard he is our future closer. Who do we get to replace Bay?

The flexibility obtained in this trade could prove extremely valuable as the season goes on. With age creeping up on Lowell and Varitek (and Papi's ongoing inconsistencies), the ability to regularly spell them with a player of Martinez's caliber is a luxury. Theo gave up some good arms but not Buchholz, Bard, Bowden, Tazawa, or Kelly as had been speculated. The pitchers shipped to Cleveland were at least two years away from making an impact with the Sox. They needed a bat to help them in their playoff push this year and they got a great one. There has to be concern with the pitching rotation, however. It gets shaky after Beckett and Lester. I still think Smoltz will settle in, but I'm not sure that's enough. It'll be interesting to see how they replace Masterson in the bullpen. If Buchholz pitches strong down the stretch and Penny and Dice-K can help solidify the rotation (BIG if) they could slide either Wake or Smoltz to the bullpen for long relief situations. I think if Bowden were called up again he could make an immediate impact in whatever role he is given. All in all, I think it was a great deadline move by Theo. Not much to say on the Kotchman deal. Great defense. Not much room in the dugout. It's a good move for LaRoche who deserved to play everyday. If nothing else, the move helps eliminate potential for animosity and fighting over playing time.

Bucholz better become the 2nd coming of Cy Young. To allow keeping him from possibly getting one of the 3 best pitchers is a disgrace. Just another example of Theo not doing his job. Players in the minors who may never contribute to one Sox victory and Clay vs the pitcher who could get them to the World Series. The only good thing is the Yankees didn't get him. Yet.

I am glad that we made a move. Do believe that Martinez will be a big asset to the Sox, like the fact that he can play different positions.....would of been nice to of added a strong arm in the pitching dept., but overall we just need constant production out of what we have. Shortstop really needs to be adjusted, perhaps in the off season......way to weak there. Let's get hot the remainder of the season.

GO SOX !

So...we have 2.5 first basemen, 2 third basemen, and 3 catchers, and no proven major league shortstop. I have no objection to getting Martinez, but I would have preferred trading 3 young arms for an upgrade at short.

Lindy888 - What on God's green Earth are you talking about??? Theo landed on the baseballs better young players who can help at three positions. He gave up nothing of consequence - Masterson had hit a wall and was headed towards the wrong side of it, plus no one could figure out what to do with him, start him or bullpen him. With a club option on Martinez for next year, we have Tek's eventual replacement lined up. I love Mike Lowell but his hip and age meant a reduced 2010 role anyway, with Youk moving over to 3rd. Martinez lets Tek rest a bit more, Lowell rest a bit more.... It IS a win win. Yes, I'd love to see a reliable starter, but maybe they keep Bucholtz in the rotation when Wakefield comes back and move Smoltz to the pen.

"We shot big on a couple things, a deal that could provide maximum impact. We were very aggressive in use of our own prospects, those deals got close... Maybe the foundation is laid for the offseason."

It sounds as if Theo is going to make a strong push for Felix Hernandez in the offseason....

Tek still has gas to play next year, but he is reaching an age where catchers can't continue a full-time pace. Martinez addresses the need for a good #2, which isn't Kottaras and the nearly +2 higher ERA when he is catching. Lowell needs days off to keep his hip from acting up, and the consideration for injuries (stated above) is valid. Kotchman is a solid bat/defensive combo, which is so important in post-season. It gives great options off the bench.

One problem, Francona will continue to play a .224 catcher because of loyalty. You talk about dissension, put Varitek on the bench. I am sure that Lowell will be less than content when he is hitting .297 and he has to sit to keep Varitek in the lineup. Please, don't give me that "he's great at handling pitchers" recording. He is ranked somewhere around 13th isn't he? How's the great handling of pitchers going lately? It's all on the manager and whether he is willing to play the ones who deserve to be on the field.

You don't trade three young arms for anyone never mind a shortstop. Cabrera could have been had for a song and Theo passed. Lowry and Green can fit the bill at short.. Varitek, Drew and Bay have been dead weight since the All Star break. Martinez was the best bat on the market and Theo got him. In the end Riccardi got piggish and Halliday went nowhere so Theo and the boys were in the right place.
If Bay doesn't wake up Theo will look like a genius for not spending stupid money on him.

With the performance of Nick Green the past few days...I think I would have like to see O.C. back at short. I like the Martinez move but should have picked up another ss.

Lilly888: it must be difficult to make a trade when the trading partners want the entire rosters of the sea dogs and curve regardless of who the Sox are pursuing. That's the challenge of having a good farm system, passionate fans and the legacy of Lou Gorman. Everybody wants a couple of Jeff Bagwell's for a Larry Anderson. If you want to win at all costs it will cost all you have to win.

Look out, the sky is falling on Lindy888! Theo scored big today. This is the guy I wanted since the rumors began.

"He got the one player who will not....help the Red Sox......all he will do is take time from either Tek...Youk or Lowell"

Time away? Lowell is missing time anyway with that hip and V-Mart is a better hitter than Tek and Kottaras so time away is a good thing, if you have a brain to analyze it instead of pop off like a dummy.

Tek vs. LHP .769 OPS V-Mart .810 OPS
Lowell vs. RHP .766 OPS Papi .723 OPS V-Mart .843 OPS

Unfortunately, Tek would be lucky to throw out Lowell or Papi trying to steal second base, and his hitting has fallen off greatly in the last couple of years too. The Sox need Martinez to fill in for Tek, because catcher is one of the two weak positions on the team. Are you saying that an All-Star like Martinez should back up Tek at this stage of his career? Everyone likes Tek, but we need to be real.

I'm happy with the moves only wish they had gotten one of the big fish! Although as far as hitters go VMart was as good if not better than Gonzalez plus he gives another option to the catching position.As for Kotchman he's a better hitter than he's being given credit for being!!! As for the departed Masterson is a really good guy and i wish nothing but the best for him.The prospects will be whatever they can be Hagadone has a ton of potential and Price is younger and he was going to be passed on the charts by Kelly.As for LaRoche at least helped win one game.

where is our SS??? Where is our stinkin SS??? Nick Green?? come on

This is a huge nothing without a quality defensive SS.

theo blew it this year. going the whole year with a journeyman as the SS has cost the sox 5 games. They wont win the WS without a SS.

So basically Martinez was NOT his first choice. I for one feel hes a better choice than Gonzalez who I assume was his first choice and for pitching, they really do have enough.

I'm going against the trade and saying NOT-Einstein gave up a versitile young pitcher in Masterson for a perhaps over the hill bat. Tek sucks and SOX need an every day catcher... Martinez is not an every day catcher. OK, he's better than Ortiz as a DH, but can't touch Youk at 1B. So he shares AB's with Ortiz, Youk, Lowel and Varitek.... and that's worth a quality pitcher?! I know I do not have to remind any of you... Penny fades 2nd half and can't be depended upon; Smotz has shown nothing by 5-6 runs in -innings; Dice-K... what can I say, Maybe Wake comes back, but will he be able to pitch evry 5th day? That leaves Beckett and Lester as the only dependable starters with hopefully Buchhlz finding his MLB game.

It never ceases to amaze me how negative many Sox fans are. The owners do not want to spend money? Theo is not doing his job? Fans of 90% or more of the teams in MLB would be thilled to have one season with owners that are as dedicated and managers that are as talented as we have in Boston. All of the doomsday bloggers here should note that the Red Sox fought hard to win a close one in Baltimore tonight and as I write this the Yankees are losing 10-5 to Chicago, which if it holds will mean the Sox are 1.5 games out of first. The Sox have an All-Star joining the team while the Yankess have no one joining their roster. Soon, Smoltz will be in the bullpen, Buckholtz will be putting up wins as a part of the rotation and the Yankees can kiss our collective butts.

Happiest to add Martinez without sacrificing the cream of the prospect crop. Still have Bowden, Kelly and Lars for a future blockbuster. Don't count out a future trade for a big time starter in the offseason. Yes, they could have tried to upgrade ss, but who was available that is that much better than a Lowrie/Green platoon? Don't think Tulowitzki or Hanley were going to be traded, and Hardy is just a bigger name, not a bigger game. If I have any concerns it is replacing Masterson's long relief/swing role, but they certainly have enough starters to convert one, probably Smoltz if he'll accept that role. No one ever says it, but Baldelli has been terrible. Would like to see a 4th outfielder that hits righty, is not an injury risk, and can hit. Otherwise,well done Theo.

Today's moves weren't completely terrible, they will help, but I do have to agree with you guys who think we're still weak at shortstop, and suddenly thinner in the rotation with Dice-K and Wake out and Smoltz apparently cooked.
I honestly think that Theo tried hard to bring in King Felix and Roy, but apparently not feasible at this time. Still, it's frustrating. With or without more bats, I still say good luck to any team out there topping Beckett, Halladay and Lester in an October series. Yeah, they seem reluctant to spend money for new players, but have no trouble eating money (Renteria, Manny, Lugo, LaRoche, etc.).

History is so easily forgotten and thus is often repeated.
Let's look back at another hot young Red Sox pitcher who had some time in the Bigs and was very much sought by other clubs.
The year was 2003.
The pitcher was Casey Fossum.
Sox management had countless offers for this "Phenom", yet after being traded to Arizona for Schilling, Fossum never accomplished anything in the Bigs.
Prospects are just that. V Mart is a great addition to the '09 team and will pay dividends for years to come.

It's a good deal. Martinez is a quality player who will help the team in multiple areas. He will also add something positive in the clubhouse. I cannot for the life of me figure out what has happened to Jason Bay. He has been a disaster ever since the contract negotiations broke down. Hopefully he turns it around in August if not he will have a tough time convincing any team to pay big bucks in a long term contract once he becomes a free agent. He's a good kid I hope he gets his act together soon.
All in all Theo did well to get Martinez without giving that much up.

It's a good deal. Martinez is a quality player who will help the team in multiple areas. He will also add something positive in the clubhouse. I cannot for the life of me figure out what has happened to Jason Bay. He has been a disaster ever since the contract negotiations broke down. Hopefully he turns it around in August if not he will have a tough time convincing any team to pay big bucks in a long term contract once he becomes a free agent. He's a good kid I hope he gets his act together soon.
All in all Theo did well to get Martinez without giving that much up.

I think the fact that the Red Sox were able to pick up Martinez at a bargain base price was a piece de resistance. However, we are still weak at shortstop. I think Jed Lowrie is in the Jacoby Ellsbury class, and maybe a late bloomer. At least I think that is the vision that Theo has. However, we are in a bind for the moment. Another thing that worries me is Right field, where JD Drew has not produced. Hopefully, Theo's vision is correct, and he and Jason Bay will produce second half.
I do like the setup between First-Third-Catcher and DH. Now you have the ability to maximize the abilities of Lowell-Tek-Big Papi-all of whom are in the declining years. In my experience, older age in sports is like an older car-more maintenance, but good results, if done properly. V Mart's coming helps Tek rest, and gives Terry Francona a bit of room for the second half. I think that the reason that they got Casey Kotchmann was to fill the former role of Mark Kotsay, now departed. I wonder where that will leave Jeff Bailey? I'm also guessing that they will keep three catchers, with George K handling Wakefield solely.
I think that at this point, that Bowden will be called up shortly, and inserted in the rotation. Smoltz will probably be moved to the bullpen as a long relief and spot starter., Look at Tampa Bay's starters from last year. The strength of their staff was their youth. I'm still surprised that they traded Edwin Jackson, if that is his proper name.
If the Sox are going to make the playoffs and/or catch the Yankees, the key will be the corner outfield positions. I wouldn't depend on Dice K for anything but translations. I also think that Takashi Saito and Matsuzaka have seen their last days here, at least until the end of the season. You don't criticize the boss and get away with it. Look about what they said of Manny for all those years, and boom, he was gone.
Look for Saito to be shipped out in a pkg for a SS like Troy T or someone equivalent in August.
George

Epstein is a genius when it comes to drafting and scouting, but when it comes to running a team and making deals, i'm far from impressed. He has some some excellent deals, like Schilling and Bay. But he's also had a LOT of bad ones. Lugo, Renteria, Drew, Dice-K, and all these crappy little ones like picking up useless Paul Byrd, and Gagne, and all those other veteran journeymen who are usless to helping us. And although we got Beckett and Lowell, we traded about the best youngest player in the game in Hanley Ramirez. He puts up better numbers than Lowell, and you save $10 mil from not having Lowell and $10 mil from no Beckett and you have $20 mil he could've used to get a Beckett-caliber pitcher. So we still could have won a World Series then.

Not a great trade. Theo, we needed a shortstop, not ANOTHER first baseman.
And I think time will show it should have been Clay straight up, as Masterson
has better composure. He proved it in the playoffs. And Masterson was the answer as a starter for DiceK, and when your foolish experiment with Smoltz ends.

We will be playing meaningful baseball games late in October, 2009, people! We got the bat we need without sacrificing much, pitching wise. We added some late inning defense while remaining quite flexible in the infield. We protected ourselves from some injuries/late season blahs and we still have our pitching intact. This deal will infuse some much needed offensive energy into the lineup, easing the pressure on starters to be as perfect as possible. Our staff has flexibility late in the game...tell me another team that has this much diversity and talent? NONE. Poor Tampa Cannot afford a move and the Yanks are too stupid to make a move.

I wish everyone would stop asking about OC coming back to Boston. He wanted out of Boston and did not like playing here, his own words. Do your homework before you make statements, The sox will address pitching in the off season, but for now, when Wake comes back and Dice- K comes back, this rotation is as good as it gets, the starting pitching is and will remain solid when it needs to be. The bat is what they were missing, great signing. In Theo we should all trust. The man knows what he is doing, if his record doesn't convince you of that, then you are really lost