Is Cameron here to replace Ellsbury?

When Theo offered Mike Cameron a two year deal later that day, most assumed hie would replace Jason Bay in left field.

But is it possible that Mike Cameron, a career center fielder, is here to replace Jacoby Ellsbury?

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that Theo and Jed are still talking about a trade for Adrian Gonzalez, but one source said that Hoyer is "asking for a ton" in return for A-Gon. Rosenthal's sources also say that the two sides are not close to a deal right now, but it's good to hear that they are still talking.

It's fun to picture the emotional roller coaster Red Sox fans would go on if this trade happened. Ellsbury is a fan favorite and the ladies of the Nation would be very upset, but we'd be getting on of the best hitters in the game in return... at a bargain price! Jason Bay would be an afterthought, except for the fact that the Sox would need to sign another outfielder if Cameron became the starter in center.

Here are some options:

1. Make a big splash and sign Bay or Holliday. This is highly unlikely now that they have handed Lackey $82 million, but you never know... If Bay realizes he won't get a 5th year from another team, the Sox might be willing to re-sign him, but Holliday is probably too pricey regardless.

2. Start Jeremy Hermida in left and hope he become the player everyone thought he would be when he was drafted. In 2007, Hermida hit .296 with 18 ding dongs and 63 RBI in just 123 games. At just 26, he could become a .300, 20, 100 hitter as a starter.

3. Sign a right-handed Free Agent OF like Xavier Nady, Jermaine Dye or even Eric Hinkse to share time in outfield with Hermida and J.D. Drew.

4. Call up Josh Reddick to be the 4th OF... Assuming he isn't part of the package for A-Gon. Reddiock did log 59 at-bats in the bigs last season, but he hasn't really impressed since he hit .343 with 17 homers in 312 games in High A ball. I think the Sox may be moving him along to quickly and he should remain in the minors for at least another year.

Bottom Line: It's not likely that the Red Sox would part Ellsbury over an prospect like Ryan Westmoreland, but Cameron does give them time to develop Westmoreland or Ryan Kalish. And Rosenthal reminds us that adding A-Gon would open things up for the Sox financially:

Lackey and Cameron will cost the Red Sox nearly $100 million combined.

The addition of Gonzalez at club-friendly salaries would enable the team to pass on free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre, who is seeking a four-year deal for at least $40 million, sources say.

The Red Sox then could turn their attention to signing right-hander Josh Beckett to a long-term extension -- and retain the financial flexibility to pursue other free agents in next year’s deep market.

Tell us what you think in the comments section and on out new poll.