Red Sox Begin to Re-tool

They aren't major moves, but the Boston Red Sox have begun to fill some holes and change the look of their current team. In the midst of a season high 4-game losing streak, GM Theo Epstein has acquired 1st baseman Adam LaRoche from Pittsburgh and outfielder Chris Duncan from St. Louis in two separate transactions.

With Mike Lowell still bothered by a bad hip, Epstein got himself an every day 1st baseman, enabling the Red Sox to slide Kevin Youkilis back to his old position at the opposite corner. The Sox sent minor leaguers Argenis Diaz and Hunter Strickland. LaRoche is a career .269 hitter with solid power and a good glove. He was batting .247 this season.

Duncan was swapped for shortstop Julio Lugo, whom the Red Sox had designated for assignment. He had just been sent down to the minors after hitting just .227 with 5 home runs and 32 RBI in 87 games. Manager Tony LaRussa had just defended his outfielder, saying he wanted "to vomit" from all the negativity Cardinals fans had directed at Duncan.

In Lugo, the Cardinals get an infielder who swings a decent bat, but is a below average shortstop. He'll add speed to the Cardinals game, though it's unknown whether or not he'll move right into the starting lineup.

Around the Horn - St. Patrick's Day

A happy green day to everyone. Phillies fans are hoping the luck of the Irish will help out Cole Hamels. The left-hander's MRI came out negative as far as structural damage goes, but just what is causing the ace's pain?

Julio Lugo will be out of the Boston lineup until probably the end of April after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Jed Lowrie will fill at shortstop in the meantime.

Marlins pitcher Matt Lindstrom took exception to a slow home run trot in the WBC the other night and threw behind the next batter. Shortly there after Lindstrom had to leave the game with shoulder pain. Turns out Lindstrom was hurting before the game and didn't tell anyone (here we go again). An examination revealed a strained rotator cuff that will shut down Lindstrom for 7-10 days.

Team USA has been bitten by the injury bug. In addition to Lindstrom, Dustin Pedroia (strained oblique), Ryan Braun (strained intercostal muscle), Chipper Jones (minor oblique strain), and David Wright (rung bell) have all suffered injuries.

Manny Ramirez will sit out the remainder of the week with a hamstring strain. Manny was quoted as saying, "I'm getting old." That didn't seem to be an issue when he wanted a $100 million contract.

Vernon Wells is almost ready to suit up for a spring training game. He's begun swinging the bat in Blue Jays intrasquad games as he makes his way back from an injured hamstring.