With the Hot Stove League burning white hot, Red Sox Nation is all a buzz about what our beloved Red Sox will or won't do next.  However, this "off-season" is not very strong with free agents and the economy of baseball makes blockbuster trades very difficult.

Theo Epstein has a very difficult challenge as the Red Sox General Manager.  With a rabid fan base that wants to win the World Series every year and competing against the endless money train of the New York Yankees it would be easy for him to fall into the trap of having a win at all cost mentality.  Remember pre-2004 when our Minor League system was dry because we only made moves for the big time bats and veteran arms.  We allowed teams to fleece our young talent, and we didn't put the time or effort into scouting and evaluation.  We couldn't develope young talent in our system.  We had to hope other teams would develope them and we would try to trade or sign them.  The Red Sox were old and slow, more suited for beer league softball than Major League Baseball. 

Theo attacked the problem by attempting to be fiscally responsible; focusing effort, time and money on the draft; building a scouting infrastructure; and stockpiling young atheletic talent in the minors.  Another smart thing he did was he ensured that talent would be developed by putting money into hiring smart coaches and instructors to teach these atheletes how to play the game the right way in the lower minor leagues.  As much credit as goes to the Money Ball concept, the real genius of Mr. Epstein is the teaching and developement machine he built into the Red Sox Organization.

Doing all this has given the Red Sox an organization that is the envy of all of baseball.  Two World Series Titles later I fear Red Sox Nation wants to throw this all away so we can quickly get a third title.

Theo, be patient.  Stick with the plan.  Be smart and don't mortage the future just so you can make a big move.  We have the blueprint, stick to it.  Pitching, defense and a diverse offensive attack if how you win a championship.  It has worked in the past and will again.  We will have a competitive team next year, but don't sacrifice future seasons to make a big move. 

I know we have holes to fill.  We need someone to play left and shortstop; we alway want to get more arms; a big bat would be great; but don't sell the farm to make this happen.  Play it smart.  Play it cool.

In Theo We Trust!!!