Coco Trade Finalized

Maybe Theo's return will mean something after all ... The Red Sox finalized their winter-long rumored trade to acquire Cleveland Indians centerfielder/lead-off hitter Coco Crisp late Friday night. The 26-year-old breakfast cereal comes from Ohio along with quality set-up man Davis Riske and switch-hitting catcher Josh Bard. The Sox send the Indians third base prospect Andy Marte, reliever Guillermo Mota and catching prospect Kelly Shoppach (along with a player to be named later and cash). Maybe it is the seven Budweisers I just tossed down my throat or the 10-points Wally Szczerbiak scored in the Celtics win tonight but I am now really, really, really looking forward to the 2006 Red Sox season. Schilling is pumped up, Beckett gives me an 18-win vibe, somehow I feel Dustin Pedroia will steal the A.L. Rookie of the Year award away from Craig Hansen and now the young and exciting Crisp is in the fold. True, this could be a Sox team a year or so away from truly contending but I think, deep down, that Boston will grow attached to this team. Of course, as always, we'll see ...