I don't think the Lackey signing means a Buchholz trade is imminent. It would not surprise me, but I am unsure if the moves are related or not. Beckett is only signed (currently) for one more year, so there's plenty of reason to keep Buchholz around for 2011. The Sox clearly value run prevention and cheap starters like Clay very highly. I think they would be happy to keep him. Of course, they'll also move him if it makes the team better. I'm not sure Adrian Gonzalez is that guy though. Straight-up, Buchholz is probably the more valuable trade commodity in my humble opinion. Gonzalez is only signed for 2 years (to Clay's 5) and his vs. lefty splits are not good. I much prefer the best hitters in the line-up to be well-rounded. You don't want to lose in the high leverage innings because other teams can pitch to your best player.

The Red Sox have done a great job improving their run prevention so far. If they sign a Matt Holliday, I think they can safely start Casey Kotchman and be an improved team over last year with Lackey, Holliday, and Scutaro. If they don't sign Holliday/Bay and are forced to start Hermida, then I think they need to make a move at 1B/3B. Signing Beltre is an option here if they can get him for 2 years. Otherwise, they need to get creative on the trade market.