Trades Versus Free Agent Signings

If you read between the lines on the Sox website, Ben Cherington is saying that this year's class of free agents is nothing to write home about. Yes, there is Zack Greinke & Josh Hamilton, neither of whom would be good fits in Boston. The Colorado Rockies may be looking to get out of their multi-year contract with Troy Tulowiski, but that would be a long-term deal like the Sox just got out from under this year with Gonzo, Crawford & Beckett for a guy who was injured all last year. That leads me to think there will be smaller free agent deals - like Torii Hunter, Mike Napoli - & perhaps bigger trades involving Ellsbury, Iglesias, Saltie & others. The Sox are already tamping down expectations for the hot stove. Money is not burning a hole in their pocket. Look for the best deals to come via creative trading.