Most Sox fans will tell you that they are concerned about this upcoming season.  Barely making the playoffs in a year where the favored Tigers and Indians were a total disaster, 2009 looks to be a lot more competitive in the AL Central.  In fact, the division could become what it was once advertised as: The most competitive division in Major League Baseball.

So, you would think that the Sox want to bulk up instead of doing Jenny Craig.  Thus far, it's not the case.  So far, Nick Swisher has been sent packing for a handful of magic beans and Javy Lopez has been dispatched for the catcher of the future and a hand full of magic beans. 

Then, word comes that the Sox are making the case that Jerry Owens may start the season in center field and be the club's new leadoff hitter.  If that's really it, don't forget to wave at the Royals when they blow by you in August.

How about this, Kenny?  You know the Angels covet Paul Konerko and they would love to have him, especially since you locked him up for awhile?  Why not make the dream a reality.  I'd take Chone Figgins.  They are going to land Tex, so bottom line is Konerko is the next big thing.  Why not help them help you?  This will make up for the screwing you got when they signed Torri Hunter.

Then, while you are at it, pick up a few more magic beans and maybe an instant left fielder and send Jermaine Dye away.  That makes sense on a lot of levels.  I love JD, but I'd love to see Q in right daily with someone younger and faster patrolling left.  If it doesn't work out with the Reds, try my suggestion of calling Tampa Bay and trading Dye and maybe Lance Broadway or some other pitching prospect to the Rays for Carl Crawford.  Man crush not withstanding, Crawford solves at least two of your biggest needs in one fell swoop: speed and a guy that can hit in a few spots in the order including second.

My other thought is, if Dye stays and Paulie gets traded, move JD to first, try BA in left and move Q to right.  I could live with that.

Pittchingwise, even Judy Jon Garland looks good as the fourth starter, but no one expects the Sox to sign him, especially since he balked at re-signing a couple of years ago.  Besides, the Sox just sent a soft headed righty away, why take one back, albeit an upgrade.

Kenny continues to spout the line that he's done Christmas shopping.  Somehow, I still don't buy it.