What I want to see with the Red Sox in 2009

This year, I hope to see the following things happen:

The Red Sox sign a power hitter to take some of the pressure off David Ortiz.  I suggest Manny Ramirez, who is a free agent.  It's been almost six months since they've had someone that opposing pitchers (and traveling secretaries) genuinely fear on their roster.  And Ramirez can be had for cheap, only around $20 million.  There are no buyers.  So Boras has lost his leverage and now the Red Sox can underpay Manny as revenge for overpaying J.D. Drew.  So it's a perfect fit.  Oh, sure I've heard Manny can be a bit of a loner, but I'm sure with the chemistry already in place in the locker room, he won't be a problem.  Youkilis, especially, will be a good influence on him and I can see them being best buds.

And I'd like to see the Red Sox re-sign Jason Varitek, but preferably the Jason Varitek from four years ago.  I think a four-year, $10 million deal for that Jason Varitek is quite fair for all involved.  I can see that Jason Varitek, with a contract rewarding his value, feeling rejuvenated and motivated to become one of the best catchers in the league.  That Varitek would also be a great mentor to any young pitchers on the rise and as long as they listen to him, I can see him calling some pitching gems bound to be recorded in the annals of history. 

I want to see the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry re-ignite (on the field, not at New Hampshire bars where drunk Yankees fans are allowed to get behind the wheel).  And with the money being thrown around by the Yankees, I expect that to happen as long as the 4-8 starts Burnett makes on average per year come during the pennant race.  It's not as much fun (and by fun, I mean heart-palpitating nausea) when the race isn't close.  It's even worse when you have to try to battle Tampa Bay fans. 

Of course, I don't want the Yankees to actually win the World Series, but given that they've never won by buying up all the free agents and only been victorious when they've built from the farm up, I feel pretty good about seeing them collapse again. 

I'd like to see the Red Sox pick up a fleet-footed reserve outfielder to mentor and spell Jacoby Ellsbury.  Outside of Kansas City outfielder Coco Crisp, I would suggest going right to the enemy and making a deal for Johnny Damon.  He still has a few good years left in him as long as he plays in only about 40-60 games and has some very clutch hits on his resume. 

And as long as the Red Sox are stock-piling their roster with former Marlins after their signing of Brad Penny, I would like to see them add two others from the championship team of 2003.  Pitcher Carl Pavano is available and could be had for probably only $10 million or so, which given his legendary durability, will average out to only $10 million per start over the length of the contract.  And as the Red Sox need a shortstop, perhaps former All-Star and Marlin great Edgar Renteria.  He's been the starting shortstop on two World Series teams and the starting shortstop for one defending World Series champion.  Quite a pedigree. 

I realize I won't get everything I want in 2009, but as hope is the prevailing emotion of the day, I can only ask and see what happens.  Enjoy the rest of the hot stove!

Boston native Andy Wasif studied sports journalism at Syracuse University and then spent a couple of years traveling the country performing stand-up comedy. Now he resides in Los Angeles where he is focusing on his screenwriting. His literary works include "How to Talk to a Yankee Fan" and "Red Sox University" (which will be released in spring 2009). For more information, visit www.dirtywater.tv.