Before I begin, I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. But in baseball, while the lull this off season is still going on, I'd like to look ahead to the 2008 off season and the issues that present themselves to the Red Sox. The Red Sox have never minded spending money to build up their team, but have preferred youth lately. Next offseason, they are faced with possibly losing Curt Schilling, Jason Varitek, and Manny Ramirez. I suspect they will bring Varitek back, just because there is not a better catcher available. Schilling will probably retire while the question to bring Manny back comes up. This is the first year Ramirez has not requested a trade in awhile, and with players like Vlad Guerrero on the market, it might be hard not to try and get him. As for other pitching, they will have Beckett, Matsuzaka, Lester, Buchholz, and a free agent or Michael Bowden. For free agents, the best pickup would be Brad Penny, who has former teammates on the team and would happily accept a new team. I think the Red Sox are in good shape for the next several years, but that does not mean they can sit tight. The Blue Jays and Rays are looking to compete and could effect the standings if you do not watch out for them. Here is what else is making news this Christman day: The Phillies continue to try and solidify their bullpen and have contacted Aki Otsuka.
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