Opinion

Amidst the Monday news of the Red Sox signing pitcher John Lackey and outfielder Mike Cameron came a truth that far too many are just sweeping off to the side like it doesn't matter—Jason Bay will not return to Boston next season.

While Theo and the gang may be ready to just move on quickly, I'm not fully prepared to drive Bay to the airport just yet. Bear with me for a minute, throw on some Pearl Jam (his at-bat band of choice), and grab some tissues if you start getting emotional. We'll get through this together.

Preface: Cliff Lee was undeniably awesome in most of his starts for the Phillies in 2009. 

Unfortunately, the Phillies are not owned by Comcast Spectacor and do not have an endless revenue stream.  Phillies fans must also realize that Ruben Amaro, Jr. would like to keep his job past 2010.  So, while the fans would like to sell out for 2010, RAJ must maintain the health of the franchise while still improving the current model.  He has done that this week, if all reports are indeed true. 

Let's get some housecleaning out of the way first. 

Despite all of the whining and complaining from the vocal minority this off-season, the Mets are doing all the right things.

They have already made two major upgrades at shortstop and center field.

Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran are much better players than Alex Cora and Angel Pagan.

For those that just want to look at the Mets record last year and ignore the fact that we had injuries to three of our four best offensive players, let me remind you that the Mets entered June seven games over .500 at 28-21 and just a half game out of first.

The Boston Red Sox have the lead, so to speak in the American League East.

With the signing of pitcher John Lackey and aging outfielder Mike Cameron, the Red Sox sent two strong messages. First, they intend to field the toughest rotation in the American League, and they are willing to sacrifice some serious offense to do it.

As it stands right now, Boston's lineup pales in comparison to that of a certain Bronx rival. Gone are the days where Manny and Big Papi lurked in the middle of the order, terrifying opposing pitchers. With the departure of Jason Bay a near certainty, the Sox lack even one true power hitter.

There are a few things to like about Aroldis Chapman, the pitcher who defected from Cuba and is looking for an MLB team to pitch for.

First, he thumbed his nose at Fidel Castro and all those whiny, Castro-loving celebrities like Jack Nicholson and Oliver Stone by defecting. (Granted, his reason for defecting may stem from the prospect of millions of American dollars rather than a thirst for political freedom).

So, how long do you think it'll take management to capitalize on this golden opportunity?  Crosby night.  Of course you'd see a couple thousand No. 87 Sidney Crosby jerseys in the stands, but what's the chance you'll see a BOBBY Crosby jersey in the stands?  Not likely. What are the chances Crosby wears the No. 87 with the Pirates?  Again, not likely.

As reported by ESPN, a three-team blockbuster deal is all but done. The deal will involve the Blue Jays sending Roy Halladay to the Phillies, the Phillies dealing Cliff Lee to the Mariners, and a handful of prospects going in all different directions. Call me crazy, but there’s only one winner in this deal—the Mariners.

The Phillies are already loaded. They already have Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton, and J.A. Happ. This is arguably the best starting rotation in the NL East.

This is part two of my updated two-part series highlighting the Boston Red Sox' potential Opening Day roster.