Changes Coming This Week for Sox

Now that we've reached the middle of June, the Red Sox have to make some tough decisions.

How do they get John Smoltz and possibly Clay Buchholz in the rotation? Is David Ortiz breaking out of his slump, and if not, how long do they stick with him? Do they stick with Jed Lowrie, Julio Lugo or Nick Green at shortstop? Should they trade Brad Penny?

This will be a busy few weeks for Theo and the boys.

The good thing is the Sox are dealing from a position of strength. After sweeping the Yankess and taking two of three in Philadelphia, the Sox are two games up in the AL East.

Pitching is the strength of the team and there is more on the way. The offense has been solid, but we still haven't seen the best of Dustin Pedroia, J.D. Drew and certainly Big Papi so far this season.

Things should only get better. Now they just have to pull the right triggers on the roster.

It seems that they have to and should trade Penny. They'd love to trade Lugo too, but it's unlikely anyone will take him with his outrageous salary. If they can't trade him they should just release him. Even though he's been hitting better lately, once a Pig - always a Pig.

The biggest risk will be if they trade any of the young stud prospects such as Buchholz, Michael Bowden or Daniel Bard.

If they can package Penny, one of the shortstops and one of the young pitchers and get back a quality shortstop and a slugger I think they'll have to do it.

A package to Texas for Michael Young and Hank Blalock or something similar might work well.

Whatever the case, they will be doing something because there are too many guys and not enough space on the roster.

Let's just hope whatever deals they make work out as well as the Jason Bay trade.