[Stu]

Another point regarding the benefits of acquiring Schmidt. It would give the Red Sox 2 aces heading down the stretch and we all know how well that worked out for them last year with Schill and Pedro. A team with 2 aces is virtually unbeatable in the playoffs. Although he's 32, Schmidt is much younger than Schilling so it gives them a legitimate #1 going forward. Schilling probably only has this year and maybe next year left as a #1 starter.

I agree on Shoppach. There's really no reason not to trade him, barring injury. They're high on Papelbon but I dont think they'd be opposed to moving him.