According to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe, the Cleveland Indians rejected a trade that would have sent right-hander Clay Buchholz to the Indians in exchange for Victor Martinez. Furthermore, the Red Sox countered with a deal that consisted of Justin Masterson and Michael Bowden for Martinez, but the Indians turned that offer down as well.

Cafardo proposes a swap of "underachieving" Scott Boras clients, saying the Red Sox and Tigers should swap Magglio Ordonez for J.D. Drew.

What is everyone’s thought about the following reports?

Lowell will receive a Synvisc shot today (Monday) in Boston for his troublesome right hip but isn't guaranteed to be an instant cure.  I saw last night they have to wait 24 hours before being evaluated before deciding if he has to go on the DL.  If Lowell doesn't respond to the shot and needs a DL stint, the 15 days would be up as soon as the All-Star break ends. The Red Sox begin the second half in Toronto on July 17.

If he does end up on the DL, just for insurnace, do we go after a 1B/3B at the trade deadline? If so, who?

Being from the hometown of Josh Willingham (Florence, AL), I like to keep up with him as much as possible because we dont have many pro athletes.  I thought I would pass this on and ask for you to pray for him and his family.  His brother, Jon, died in a car wreck this morning.  He was 27. I played ball against Jon and was a very out going person.  My condolences to the Willingham family. 

And best of luck to the rest of the season, Josh (and Nats)!

According to ESPN...

Major League Baseball is expected to announce Thursday that Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and will be suspended for 50 games, The Los Angeles Times is reporting.

Ramirez's test result and suspension are expected to be announced Thursday, The Times said.

Citing a source familiar with the matter, The Times reported Ramirez is expected to say the positive test results were a result of medication received from a doctor for a personal medical issue.

If his suspension begins Thursday, Ramirez would be eligible to return to the Dodgers' lineup for their July 3 game against San Diego.

In his first full season as a Dodger, Ramirez is batting .348 with six home runs and 20 RBIs. Los Angeles has bolted to a 21-8 record -- best in the majors -- and a 13-0 record at home that set the modern major league record for home winning streak to start a season.

If we are not a factor anymore for Teixeria, where do we go next?  Do we push for Peavy or do we get the 'big' bat to replace Manny...speaking of Manny (j/k)

What are some of the options out there that would be a good fit that we could get?

We still need to sure up the catching positition, the 4th OF spot, and possible starter. 

A far-fetched idea I like is getting an Adam Dunn or Bobby Abreu for a few years.  I know we are good on OFs, maybe plugging them in at 1B?  Then again, the Brewers are fishing Prince Fielder around right now.

Thoughts....

I am watching the Miami and Georgia Tech football game and the HOT Erin Andrews interviews Mark Teixeira about his status on Free Agency.  Not much was said just that he hopes to have a place by Christmas morning.  After the interview, the camera scans the people he was standing with and Tex is standing with....Mr. Jason "Captain" Varitek himself....could it be that Tek is doing a little recruiting for Theo or am I just hoping a little bit? 

Last night watching the game, it was reported on ESPN by Erin Andrews that Tek said "After his duties with the Sox, he wouldn't have a problem handing Pedroia the 'C'".  Which brings the question, who should be the next Captain (Ped, Youk, Ells)?

I really like the way Pedroia works hard and gets after it.  If I was a father and had a kid playing ball, I would want him to watch DP. 

I like to look or think about the what will happen later on.  Here is an outlook (or my thoughts) for the next two years. 

• Sign Tek.
• Sign Tex.
• Trade Coco & Lowell (though I like him) for a SP.
• Come trade deadline 2009, trade Bay for Holliday.
• If the deadline trade doesnt work, let Bay go and sign Holliday.
• Papi will be in the last year & we will have to pick up his option in 2011.

How would a line up look in 2009 or 2010...Ellsbury, Pedroia, Papi, Holliday, Tex, Youk, Drew, Tek, Lowrie

Theo: If you like what you see as far as your assistant GM, please feel free to contact me! :)