The Deadline approaches.. T-Minus 8 hours

Well as the trading deadlines nears at 4pm today, there are a plethora of rumors swirling around the baseball world. Yesterday saw plenty of action. as the most sought after player Mark Teixeira was traded to the Atlanta Braves, along with Ron Mahay for Jarrod Saltalamacchia and three minor leaguers, most notably Elvis Andrus. The Sox had been rumored to be interested in Saltalamacchia as a backup to V-tek.
The most persistent rumors have the Sox very interested in Jermaine Dye of the White Sox, this would give they a power right hand bat, and another outfielder. Apparently the Sox have told him that he would play 5 days a week. So it looks like J.D. Drew won't be playing against any lefties anymore and speaks volumes to what a mistake the contract they gave Drew, when just 2/3 of a season into his 5 year deal they are looking for backup. Dye struggled earlier in the year but has been much better since the all-star break he's hitting .250 but has 8 home runs and has driven in 17 and scored 18 runs. The chips to Sox will have to give to get this trade done have gone back in forth, but the lastest would see Wily Mo Pena and a pitcher (Manny Delcarmen, Jon Lester, or Michael Bowden). I would give up Delcarmen if we are able to pry Gagne away from Texas if not I would prefer to see Kason Gabbard traded over Lester. I think this is a deal that will get done, the Sox have been persistent in trying to make this work.
The other big name the Sox are interested in is Eric Gagne, this would be a great pickup especially considered the uncertainty of health in the bullpen, with Timlin's achy shoulder, Donnelly arm, and the youth of Delcarmen. There are several things that could hold up this deal, as Gagne would have to waive his no trade clause as well as be a set-up man, something that he didn't want to do. The other teams actively seeking Gagne are the Yankees (he doesn't have a no trade clause with them), Mets (he doesn't have a no trade clause with them) and the Brewers. Rumors have the Sox being the front-runners here. The Sox would have to give up CF Jacoby Ellsbury and top pitching prospect Michael Bowden or Justin Masterton to pry Gagne away. The price seems a bit steep and I don't see the Sox parting with Ellsbury for a rent a player. .
I think the Sox will make at least one of these moves, if not both. They need another right hand arm in the pen, so if they don't get Gagne they need to work out another deal to get some right arm help. If I had to chose between Dye or Gagne, I would take Gagne in a second. As they always say pitching and defense win championships. I think our offense could survive without another power bat. If they don't get Dye, then I would expect another Utility OF to be added, someone like Bobby Kielty.
One thing is for sure the trading deadline is a great time for baseball fans, as they wait on the edge of their seats hoping there favorite team makes a huge move that will propel them into the playoffs and to the world series title. Even for those teams out of the race, it's a time to acquire fresh new talent that one day might lead them to the promise land.