Sox Machine summed it up best, but here are a few thoughts on Jermaine Dye's new 2 year, $22 million contract.

-I like the deal, and Sox had to get something done. Without him, they would have zero outfielders for next season. I think paying him $11 million per season is reasonable, and a two year contract is ideal for the Sox. Dye will probably be a DH in the second year of the contract, so look for Ryan Sweeney, who regressed some in AAA this year, to take over in right field if he can turn things around. There's been a lot of talk about Torri Hunter playing along side Dye next year, and I'd like that move a lot. I think Hunter is actually a tad bit overrated (even though he's real good this year), but he's certainly better then Darren Erstad, and count me as one of the few Sox fans that would rather see Hunter in center field next year instead of Rowand. After the season Aaron is having this year, I don't even think it would cost that much more to bring in Hunter.

-Dye really struggled in the beginning of the year, but he's been great in the second half. For how bad he was hitting at the beginning of the season, it's amazing to see him fourth in the American League in home runs. I actually think he'll have a big year next year. It won't be as good as his 2006- .315/44/120- but I'd look for him to carry this form throughout next season.

-The only downside I really see is that the Sox desperately need to get younger, and resigning Dye isn't the way to do that. Sure they'll be competitive next year, at least they should be with that starting rotation if the top four remain intact, but they are still in a division with three good teams who all have young studs. The Sox don't have anyone who can match Verlander, Mauer, Morneau, or Sizemore. Fields is their best hope, and I've been really impressed with him this year. Hopefully he'll be the opening day left fielder next season.

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