Kenny Williams comments on the Sox’ needs:

“I don’t think there’s anything major that’s out there to be had,” Williams said. “I don’t think that there’s anything more than a healthy Jose Contreras can provide us.”

While it’s nice to see the boss sticking up for his guys, you have to wonder what dearth of trade-market help really exists in a world where C.C. Sabathia and Rich Harden were moved within days of each other, followed by Oakland folding up the tent in a major way shipping out Joe Blanton and dangling both Huston Street and Justin Duchscherer to potential takers, Nats closer Jon Rauch going for dirt-cheap, and all three of Brian Fuentes, Matt Holliday, George Sherrill and Mark Teixiera known to be available for the right price.

Now, we’re all Sox fans here and don’t want to nitpick or dream up ridiculous trade scenarios (Juan Uribe and two AA prospects for Johan Santana!) but the question is too obvious to ask: wouldn’t any of those guys represent an improvement to the team?

Who knows, maybe a healthy Contreras really can make a difference. But then again, no one knows what kind of difference that can be, nor does anyone even know when he’s healthy. I’m no general manager but even I know a consistent and healthy pitcher is better than, well, the alternative.