Mid-season acquisition candidates pt. 2: big sticks.

Now that I’ve made my case for Jake Peavy over Roy Oswalt, let’s focus our attention on a position the Sox will have a more pressing need for come mid-July (or earlier): A big bat. I’d take any one of these players batting between cleanup in August.

BAD TEAMS HAPPEN TO GOOD PLAYERS:

Miguel Cabrera, 3B Tigers: Has a huge contract on a bad team that could throw in the towel earlier than you think. Yes, he has weight and attitude problems, but his numbers are undeniable, and he’s YOUNGER, CHEAPER and possibly BETTER than Teixeira.

Prince Fielder, 1B Brewers: Signed a 2-year deal in January 2009, my thoughts are the Brewers are going to feel the economic downturn moreso than other teams. Would you take him on your team? Me too.

Hanley Ramirez, SS Marlins: The Marlins aren’t perceived as good now, but wait two months and they’ll everyone’s dark horse team to win the NL (they have a TON of good young arms). IF Hanley makes it to the block, expect the conversation to begin with Buchholz, Ellsbury and/or Lester. Theo wouldn’t mortgage the farm to get Santana two Decembers ago, so don’t hold your breath for Hanley. It ain’t happenin’.

SOMEONE PLEASE NANCY KERRIGAN JD DREW’S KNEE TO FIT ONE OF THESE GUYS IN OUTFIELD:

Ryan Braun: Somewhat of an enigma because he plays in Cinny. Trust me. Good baseball player.

Matt Holliday: I’ve always liked him. Let’s see how well he shakes the Colorado Monkey off his back in Oakland.

Carlos Quentin: One year wonder? We’ll find out soon enough.

HOME GROWN TALENT:

While the Red Sox have more good young arms than they know what to do with, they are relatively thin with bats able to make the big league jump by 2011.

Lars Andersen: The first baseman who is projected to be a Justin Morneau type hitter is only 21 and still needs a few years in the minors. Good upppppppside, and if he can put a good show in 2010 spring training, he’ll have a chance of making next year’s squad.

MY TWO CENTS:

Give me Miguel Cabrera. I would have traded for him two years ago, and I’d throw a parade for Mike Lowell and package him with Buchholz and Bowden for his long term stability in the middle of the lineup.