Bronson Gone, Sox Hope to get Wily Mo Betta'

If they didn't know before, then by now Red Sox nation is well aware of the fact that turn-over is a necessary evil in the baseball world. The "business is business" credo is no more evident than in the wake of the Sox management shipping off our beloved rock'n'rollin' and high-kickin' Bronson Arroyo. Those with weak hearts and fragile emotions should steer clear of the baseball fraternity. Even the ubiquitous face of the Red Sox, David Ortiz, understands what can happen - "That's why I'm always going to look at this game as a business. The game is crazy, but that's how it goes."

When the Sox signed Bronson to a new contract on Jan. 19 he understood that the hometown-discount could come back to bite him in the ass, noting that there was no "gentleman's handshake" agreement with the Red Sox front office.

So what changed? Bostonist's take on the situation has to do with the swelling number of pitchers in the rotation, causing one of the Sox starters to become expendable. A couple of weeks ago Boomer Wells had a change of heart and requested that he be able to stay for this season. The rotation was packed enough as it is, and with all due respect to Wells' portly makeup, to fit him into the line-up would surely mean that someone was soon to be shopped around. Unfortunately for Bronson, his newly negotiated contract would be the bait let out to dangle, tasty enough for the big fish but small enough for even the little fish to bite.

Sorry Bronson. Red Sox Nation will miss you on the mound. The Creed and 3 Doors Down cover songs, though? NotSoMuch. Good luck in Cinci.

In return, Boston gets another hefty Dominican to fill in on days the outfielders get off. The word on Wily Mo is that he's got ridiculous pop in his bat (he's already displaying this) and, being only 24 years old, leaves him with a lot of time to figure out how to lay off the bad pitches, not strike out as much, and learn from his Dominican hermanos occupying the 3 and 4 spot. In commenting on Pena's upside Ortiz says "When I was 24 the ability that he has right now I didn't have it and I was in the big leagues, just like him". The chances of lightning striking twice are remote but even the possibility should be enough to get Sox fans giddy.

When we can't find a suitable picture of Bronson Arroyo we get creative and pull a photo from Flickr user iJames. Showing a creative garment showing protest of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's involvement in a wiretapping scandal. We're thinking Arroyo's (Bronson, that is) departure isn't quite as disturbing as illegal wiretapping, no matter where it happens. The best part - it's Sox colors to boot!