Brian MacPherson of the New Hampshire Union Leader reports that Theo Epstein is monitoring the trade market, waiting for the many teams in "wait-and-see mode" to become buyers or sellers. A number of teams are unsure about which direction to take, so Epstein says he keeps tabs on all clubs to develop "a feel for what everyone is trying to do."
Epstein doesn't mention specifics, but MacPherson points out that the Red Sox don't have to trade a starter simply because they have a pitching surplus. Instead of trading Brad Penny or another pitcher away for the sake of making a move, they can keep six starters. This approach allows Boston to make sure John Smoltz is effective, while they wait for the market to develop.
