El Guapo's Ghost Rambles on about the Red Sox

A ton has been written already regarding the deal for Scott Williamson. Basically, he is a stud who will pitch in critical, high leverage situations the rest of this season. The Sox pen should shut down the opposition. Talk about a 180 and thanks, Theo – Plan B.

The Sox gave up Phil Dumatrait, who was not impressive in high A-ball. Dumatrait’s K and BB rates do not translate into a frontline starter in the majors at this point in his career. The Sox did not give up much for three years of Williamson. The only concern is that the PTBNL is not a significant prospect like Jon Lester, who is not dominating in A-ball but productive and only 19. (When a traded player is known but not named as Lucky Larry mentioned last night, usually the PTBNL is someone who has been with his original club for less than a year.) Lester was slotted for rookie ball this year, but impressed Theo and company in the spring enough to start him at Augusta. He has talent and upside.

Trade tidbits:
• It was wonderful to hear that Theo is not done dealing and…
• …from LL that the Sox are willing to go over budget if necessary.
• It appears that the strategy is to move pitching talent in trades from the minors first. In general, fewer highly touted young pitchers get to the Majors than their position player counterparts. It is also more difficult to judge pitching “prospects.” The Sox have the financial luxury to buy/trade for pitching at the MLB level; it is a sound plan.
• Next season, either Kim or Williamson could move into the rotation. Both have been starters in the past and would look good.
Williamson's wife, Lisa, just had a baby boy Friday. She was readmitted to the hospital yesterday with high blood pressure.
``I'm sure this is going to shoot it right through the roof,'' Williamson said. ``It's going to be stressful for a time but I've overcome a lot of things in my career (Silverman et al, Boston Herald).''
• It would be a nice gesture to allow Williamson all the time he needs to be with his family. The team is not in dire need of his services right now. Let Williamson have some time to get his head on straight and stabilize the family before starting with a new company. It would be best for him and the Sox.

Last scrap:
“Manny backed away as Dickey returned to the rubber.” – Don Orsillo from last night’s game. The quote above and “Millar goes yard!” are the only two instances that Orsillo has added something above a replacement level announcer. Sean Mc or the guy who won the contest needs to do more games.