The Trade Winds Are Swirling

As a result of rising youngsters like Jose Iglesias, Ryan Kalish and Josh Reddick, Red Sox fans may have seen the last of battle-tested veterans like Mike Cameron (right) and Marco Scutaro. 

With Opening Day in Texas against the AL Champion Rangers just three weeks away, the Old Towne team made major headlines in the rumor mill this weekend that, if acted upon, could seriously change the face of the 2011 Red Sox. While GM Theo Epstein vehemently denied the reports, a baseball source indicated that the Sox are looking for help at catcher and actively shopping several key players, including Daisuke Matsuzaka, Mike Cameron, Darnell McDonald, Marco Scutaro and, hold your breath, Tim Wakefield.

Whether or not the reports are true, the fact remains that all the players mentioned above are certainly not in the club's long term plans. Despite trading away much of the farm system to acquire Adrian Gonzalez this offseason, the Red Sox appear fully invested in developing several of their young players, most notably shortstop Jose Iglesias and outfielders Ryan Kalish and Josh Reddick. Not only is the trio supremely talented but they're all cheap, something that appeals greatly to a team who just shelled out over $300 million on just two players.

As a result, many veteran players find themselves on the outside looking in.

The most obvious on the list in Matsuzaka. Although he helped win Boston the 2007 World Series, Dice-K has become an enigma that both fans and the front office seem to be fed up with. Even though he has nibbled on the corners and walked countless batters since Day One, we were able to tolerate his frustrating style of pitching simply because although he always got in jams, Dice-K more often than not got out of them. The process drove us crazy but we simply could not argue with the results.

However, Dice-K is no longer the young, mythical phenom that management shelled out over $100 million to acquire prior to the 2007 season. He is in the final year of his deal, has a full no-trade clause and is set to earn $10 million in 2011 (even more if he reaches incentives). Having Dice-K as a fifth starter is a luxury most managers would kill for and one would think the Sox would hang onto him and at least try to squeeze one more Championship out of his tenure, thus validating the controversial move to bring him to Boston in the first place.

Hurting his case even more, Dice-K has struggled mightily this Spring. In three starts so far, Matsuzaka has gone 0-1 with a bloated 11.42 ERA and his fastball has topped out at just 89 miles-per-hour, well below his average. In addition, the Sox have some viable options in the fifth spot if they decide to deal Dice-K. Former Yankee Alfredo Aceves has impressed this Spring, as well as Michael Bowden and leftys Felix Doubront and Andrew Miller.

Scutaro finds himself on the bubble for two reasons. First, he is an aging veteran in the final year of his deal. And, secondly, the Red Sox possess two intriguing options to replace him. While Manager Terry Francona has mentioned at length how he would love to use Jed Lowrie as a super back-up because he is able to play all four infield positions, Lowrie could find himself starting solely at shortstop simply because he has the best bat.

In addition, Jose Iglesias, touted for years as the shortstop of the future, appears to be ready to take over any day now. His defense is sparkling enough to step in today but his offense still needs some work. Regardless, it won't be long until Iglesias is wowing us with his defensive wizardly at Fenway.

Cameron seems to be on the outs because, like Scutaro, he is in the final year of his deal and long in the tooth. In addition, he seems to have the greatest trade value of the bunch. However, while Epstein surely could find some takers for Cameron, it would seem a wise idea to hang onto him. Cameron finally appears healthy and would be an excellent fourth outfielder. Also, he could spell J.D. Drew against left-handers. McDonald, despite his countless heroics last season, is long considered a journeyman. Both he and Cameron have become expendable with the rise of Kalish and Reddick.

Lastly, Wake appears to be on the block because he seems to be out of options. If the Sox hang onto Dice-K as the fifth starter, the rotation is set. Bullpen spots seem to be all but accounted for as well. Jonathan Papelbon will close, with Daniel Bard, Bobby Jenks and Dan Wheeler his main set-up men. Francona has expressed a desire to keep two left-handers (likely Hideki Okajima, Dennys Reyes or Rich Hill) and the long-man spot appears to be a duel between Matt Albers and Scott Atchison.

Translation: no place for Wake.

This sad reality no doubt has fans at an emotional crossroads. At age 44, Wake is now the oldest pitcher in the big leagues. We've known for the past several years that his days are numbered, but it just wouldn't seem right not seeing him take the mound at Fenway like he has for the past 15 years.

Let's hope a spot opens up. Red Sox fans aren't ready to say goodbye just yet.