John Lackey could be a key figure in both teams’ plans. If the Sox acquire him, it would allow them to package Clay Buchholz in a deal for Adrian Gonzalez or Miguel Cabrera, if he becomes available. Buchholz is the chip most teams want in a megadeal.If the Sox were able to pull something like that off -- let's say they sign Lackey and trade Buchholz for Gonzalez -- they'd put themselves in a great position heading into the 2010 season. Something like this would probably force the Yankees into the Halladay sweepstakes (if they're not already), which Cafardo talks about below:
Then the Sox would try to acquire another decent starter or a rehab guy like Ben Sheets as protection.
“The Red Sox could be the major player this offseason if certain things fall together for them,’’ said an American League general manager. “They still have enough chips in their farm system to make something big happen.
“They also have two other guys who could be valuable to other teams as major pieces in Casey Kotchman and Jed Lowrie. I know a lot of people were wondering why they got Kotchman because there was no real need for another first baseman. But this might be the reason.’’
The Yankees could easily get into the Roy Halladay hunt if they’re willing to part with Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain, which they apparently are. The one player they’d love to hold on to is Austin Jackson, their future center fielder who could keep their outfield costs low.Cafardo also said that the Yanks could offer Lackey a deal like the one they gave A.J. Burnett last offseason. If the Sox improve, the Yankees will have to improve with them.
How much their main competition improves themselves will have a lot to do with the Yankees decision making this offseason. Their trust in Chamberlain and Hughes will also be a big factor. If Cashman trusts them enough to start the Yanks may just stick with what they've got. But trusting them already burned him in 2008, so he might be more hesitant this time around.
