As we look toward another entertaining Red Sox off-season filled with deals that look fantastic at the moment but end up backfiring, there are some major questions to be answered. Our free agents range from Mark Loretta to Mike Timlin, and Theo will have to decide whether he wants to continue with a more veteran lean until the prospects are completely ready, or insert the youth on Opening Day 2007. Or make a huge splash this winter with Barry Zito/Jason Schmidt or a big bat. Here are ten question marks to be figured out:
1) Should the Red Sox sign Mark Loretta for one more year, or insert Dustin Pedroia on Opening Day at second base?
2) Should the Red Sox take a chance with the effectiveness of Matt Clement for 2007, or trade him along with paying for most of his salary?
3) Should either Mike Timlin or Keith Foulke be re-signed for one more year, or should the front office bring in completely new faces out of the free agent market?
4) Is Coco Crisp another Renteria in Boston, or should we exercise more patience and not attempt to deal him?
5) Should the Red Sox lock up Julio Lugo instead of paying for Alex Gonzalez for less money?
6) Jonathan Papelbon: Uber-closer or decent starter? Where do we need him more?
7) Should we keep our rotation as is with Schilling/Beckett/Wakefield/Papelbon?/Clement or Lester, or make sure to sign Zito, Schmidt, Pettitte or Clemens?
8) The bench: Should we keep around Eric Hinske and Carlos Pena?
9) Should the possibility of Manny Ramirez being dealt be explored this off-season?
10) Finally- what prospects do you see making an impact in August and September of 2007? George Kottaras? Edgar Martinez? Jacoby Ellsbury? Brandon Moss?
Discuss.
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