Boston is not a shaky closer away from the World Series.

Good points on both sides of this. Trades have to be analyzed on a trade by trade basis...

1. What was the team's reason for the trade?
2. Is it a long term goal or a short term goal?
3. Is the team going for it all THIS YEAR?
4. Big market team or small market team?
5. Deep farm system or weak farm system?

In all honesty I don't think the Hanrahan deal was made for a World Series or bust reason. First, if Hammer pitches well Boston has the money to sign him to a longer term contract at some point. Second, I don't think the Red Sox are at all concerned about losing any of the players they gave up. They felt Hanrahan was worth the gamble and they probably feel they gave up very little, if anything. They also probably feel they got the better utility infielder back in return.

I tend to agree with them, and will be thrilled to come here and say I was wrong at some point this season. I hope Melancon turns in to a Grilli-like set up guy(ironically for Grilli) and Sands turns in to a 25 HR guy. But I don't think that is how Boston sees this trade. I think they are taking a chance on a guy who was dominant two years ago and didn't give up anything to get him.

I, for one, long for the day when the Pirates are in a position to consider an overpay in a trade to push them over the top!