So, the Red Sox (er Larry Lucchino) revived Todd Helton trade talks. And, apparently, the sides are in agreement on dollars but NOT in agreement on the players.

The Sox would pick up all but $40 Million of the $90 Million remaining on Helton’s ten year contract and send Julian Tavarez and Mike Lowell to Colorado. BUT, the Rockies INSIST that one of the Red Sox prize prospects be included in the deal (Lester, Delcarmen, Hansen, etc.).

The drama begins…. 

Lucchino wants to send a prospect.

Epstein doesn’t want to send a prospect after the Hanley Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez, Cla Meredith, debacle.   

Helton is a player on the decline. But, in a lineup where he need not focus on the long ball (such as the Red Sox) he could be very dangerous. He drew 91 walks, struck out only 64 times, registered a .404 on-base percentage, and averaged 3.93 pitches per plate appearance last season.

At the end of the day, I hope Lucchino wins this battle and sends more promising young Red Sox players to other teams while getting older.

The Red Sox are the new Yankees.