Sox Trade Possibilities

The MLB non-waiver trade deadline is 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31. We all know the Red Sox will be exploring deals to bolster their bullpen and their bench. They may even make a major move for a bat, though that is probably doubtful. As the team heads to Tampa Bay, they have the best record in baseball (62-40) and a team that everyone from John Henry to Larry Lucchino to Theo Epstein to Terry Francona to TheBostonInsider really likes. Instead of going through the possible trade targets of the Red Sox, today the focus will be on the players the Red Sox are most likely to be asked for in a move (Jeff Bagwell Division) and the players most likely to actually leave the organization (Matt Murton Division). Jeff Bagwell Division 1. Clay Buchholz: Not going anywhere unless the Minnesota Twins decide that they just don't want Johan Santana anymore. The first player teams ask for -- they wouldn't be doing their jobs if they didn't -- but his future is in Boston. 2. Jon Lester: Maybe a little easier to pry away from the Red Sox than Buchholz but Lester's great future, as well as his emotional impact on this team, should keep him in Boston. However, I agree with Chad Finn (http://touchingallthebases.blogspot.com/), I would trade Lester straight up to Texas for Mark Texeira. 3. Jacoby Ellsbury: Ellsbury looks to be the future of centerfield for the Red Sox but with the emergence of Coco Crisp since the beginning of June -- showing Red Sox Nation why Theo traded for him in the first place -- don't you think Ellsbury could be had if the return was a big one? 4. Justin Masterson: This guy could have the highest ceiling of any Sox pitching prospect. After handling hitter-friendly Lancaster in the California League (8-5, 4.33 ERA), Masterson has put up very impressive numbers in Portland (4-0, 1.04 ERA). His future is bright and it is probably with the Red Sox. 5. Jed Lowrie: Lowrie fits the Dustin Pedroia mold perfectly. A former Pac-10 Player of the Year at Stanford (he won in 2005, a year after Pedroia won it at Arizona State), the 2B/SS hits for a high average (.300 at Portland) and gets on-base (.413). His power numbers (8 HR, 49 RBI) aren't too bad either. Not untouchable but certainly a player the Sox would like to keep. Matt Murton Division 1. Michael Bowden: Bowden, who was drafted right after Clay Buchholz in 2005, seems to be leveling out at Portland (4-4, 4.60). Numbers alone do not dictate what kind of player a prospect will be but with a plethora of young arms stocked on the farm, Bowden is expendable. 2. Craig Hansen: The former No. 1 pick out of St. John's has struggled to find consistent success in pro baseball (ask Peter Gammons and he will blame Scott Boras for his client's troubles). Hansen definitely has big league stuff but he needs to get his mind in the right place to do so. Boston might not be that place. 3. David Murphy: Murphy was Theo's first draft pick in 2003. The Baylor product isn't the top prospect some (me) thought he would be but he could bring back something. With an opportunity, he could be of help as a third or fourth outfielder. 4. Brandon Moss: Moss has put up very good numbers for Pawtucket (.307/13/64) and he could interest a team looking for young outfield prospects. 5. Wily Mo Pena: Everyone has the feeling that Wily Mo, if he gets a chance to play consistently, could become the right handed David Ortiz. Pena has loads of power and promise but Boston is not the place where he will find the opportunity he needs. Last night in Cleveland Wily Mo showed off his talent, going 4-for-5 with 4 RBI and a homerun that he absolutely crushed.