And All References to Theo Epstein Will be Removed From The Red Sox Media Guide

On the pending blockbuster, see Neyer, Jaffe, and Cameron.

For the Red Sox, this trade is obviously pure win. (And should also be a reminder that while Valentine will probably get fired and probably deserves to, the real problem the Red Sox have is that Brian Cashman spent three years cleaning Theo Epstein’s clock.) Dumping the Beckett and especially Crawford contracts is a major coup — the only way it could be better is if Tony Reagins were running the Dodgers and agreed to take Lackey’s contract as well. Even if you assume that Gonzalez is just having an off year rather than entering his decline phase the trade would be a major win for Boston if they got nothing in return — and they got some real pieces back.

This doesn’t mean the trade is as bad for LA as it is good for Boston. Flags fly forever, and the Dodgers are in a position where some upgrades could make the difference between the postseason and the golf course. Even at a 2012 level of performance Gonzalez is obviously a huge upgrade over Loney and he’s probably better than that. Although the decline in K rate is a little alarming Beckett has been a better pitcher than his ERA this year would suggest. It’s really just a question of how much the ghastly Crawford contract will constrain them going forward. If they can sign Kershaw anyway it might be a worthwhile gamble; if they can’t I wouldn’t consider doing it.