What Next?

Yesterday Theo said the Red Sox were going to keep the team largely intact and that they have a good foundation for the future. Here are the main things that are going to have to be decided before the start of the 2009 season.

1. Catcher - The Red Sox must decide if they are going to re-sign Tek. No matter what they decide they still must look at getting a catcher for the future.

2. Shortstop - Lugo or Lowrie?- Do they try to move Lugo in the offseason? His salary will be an issue and Lowries struggles down the stretch don't make him a sure bet to start.

3. Outfield - The platoon worked this season so they may go with it again but Coco does have some trade value.

4. Recovery- We won't know if Ortiz or Lowell will be back to '07 level until spring training so the Red Sox may make insurance moves by getting a big bat like Mark Teixeira.

5. Starters - Buchholz is off to a good start in the Arizona Fall League but Colon and Byrd are going to be gone, the Sox could go after a big name starter like Peavy. If Masterson starts in '09 they are going to need some help in the bullpen.