Random Thoughts (July 5, 2007)

Even with a team built to win a World Series this year, the future of the Red Sox can not be ignored. Take a quick peek at the roster and you will find that Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jonathan Papelbon, Manny Delcarmen and Dustin Pedroia haven't even entered their prime years yet. With Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Craig Hansen, Michael Bowden, Lars Anderson, Jed Lowrie, Justin Masterson, Aaron Bates and Daniel Bard all working their way through the minor's, one has to be excited for the next decade or so at Fenway... Speaking of the future for the Red Sox, SoxProspects (www.soxprospects.com) is reporting that the club has agreed with 16-year-old Michael Almanzar, a highly touted SS-3B from the Dominican Republic. Almanzar, a 6-5 power hitter, was one of the most sought after prospects on the international free agent market. The Red Sox reportedly gave him a $1.5 million signing bonus, the highest ever given to an international free agent by the team... The more I think about it, the more I like the Ray Allen trade. His age (he'll turn 32 on July 20) shouldn't be an issue because he has been healthy his entire career and always has been in terrific physical shape. Plus, no one batted an eye over Kevin Garnett's age (31) when the rumors were flying around about him coming to Boston. Allen did have double ankle surgery in April but it was to remove bone spurs, there was no structural problems. With his ability to score (26.4 in 2006-07) and proven track record playing with other scorers (Glenn Robinson in Milwaukee, Rashard Lewis in Seattle), he will fit in just fine with Paul Pierce and the Celtics... Only a few more weeks until Patriots training camp opens...