Nomar or Edgar?
Nomar Garciaparra is in the final year of his contract and is disgruntled because of A-Rodgate. Who knows if we can sign him beyond 2004? Also, will it be worth it? Interestingly enough, Edgar Renteria is also a free agent in 2004 and is an up an coming short stop on the fringes of greatness. It is possible that he could be signed for Miguel Tejada money, which in my mind, might make more sense than signing Nomar.

Compare 2003 stats:

Renteria	Age: 28	.330 BA	13 HR	100 RBI	.394 OBP	.524 SLG	34 sb
Garciaparra	Age: 30	.301 BA	28 HR	105 RBI	.345 OBP	.524 SLG	19 sb

While Nomar is clearly ahead in the homerun category, the rest of the numbers are similar or in Renteria's favor. A few key things to consider:

1. Renteria is younger than Nomar
2. Renteria has won consecutive Gold Gloves in 2002 and 2003
3. The Red Sox are an offensive machine, whether it be Nomar or Edgar hitting in front of Manny. In fact, Renteria could benefit, like Nomar, from playing his home games in Fenway Park.
4. The Red Sox could likely sign Renteria in the $12 to $13 million range vs. Nomar in the $14 to $16 million range.

With all things considered, maybe the Sox should let Nomar play out his final season, let him go to free agency, and push hard for Renteria.