15 bats the Red Sox could trade for — Pt. 1

On the heels of the Sox's fourth disappointing offensive game in a row, it's becoming abundantly clear that despite the team's top five offense, it's a top five incapable of sustaining any sort of playoff-caliber offense.

With that in mind, I have compiled a list of the 15 bats the Red Sox may have interest in. As the trading deadline approaches, I am keen to see if Theo has the "killer instinct" in him to make a strong move instead of holding onto his prospects with an iron fist.

With Jason Bay a free agent and his agent seeking a Mark Teixeira-type deal, is the time now to get a bat for now and the future? Here are some names that could don Sox uniforms sooner rather than later -- you'll see eight names in this article (in alphabetical order). On Friday, the final seven will follow, plus a summary of what the best fits seem to be.

Should Sox trade Delcarmen for Nick Johnson?

Peter Gammons went on Mike and Mike's ESPN Radio show this morning. Thanks to Hacks with Haggs, there is a transcript of the proceedings. An interesting tidbit:

Washington with their 2-16 bullpen are trying to move Nick Johnson and Austin Kearns and some of their semi-attractive veteran players to get relief pitchers. I know they offered Nick Johnson to Boston for Manny Delcarmen. That hasn't happened and may not until the Red Sox make a decision on David Ortiz.

This is a deal the Red Sox would instantly do if Big Papi was at his current level of production on July 31.

It's May 22, however.

It still begs the question: should the Red Sox do the trade? If so, when?