Quiet Christmas for Ben

Not a trade or signing was stirring, not even a mouse. It was a quiet holiday season for Ben Cherington. Rest assured, though, that his wheels are turning on every possible trade to get a #1 starter & another bullpen arm or two. Hamels, Cueto, Zimmermann, Shields are still out there. Someone is going to sign Shields, but it won't be the Red Sox at 5 years & $110 million. A trade makes more sense if the Sox are willing to part with a key prospect or two. Or maybe Ben stands pat for now until the trade deadline in July. The Sox offense should hit & score more in 2015, so maybe we go without a #1 & we hope that Kelly or Porcello or Miley can become a good #2. I'd like to keep Betts & Holt as valuable back-up pieces. Given the surplus of outfielders & young arms, though, you would think that there are more players to be added by trade. Time will tell.