Shots Fired, Sort Of. Maybe. Probably Not.

"Factoid" is a word people toss around, usually to mean something like "little fact" (trivia, in other words). But factoid was coined by Norman Mailer, and its original meaning is something that is only true in the media. Like android = fake person that looks real, factoid = fake fact that looks real.

Right now we have a great example building, and it is that the Red Sox need to make a high-profile signing, like Roy Oswalt (pictured), to counter recent moves by the Yankees.

There is no evidence that the Sox have any such intentions.

Further, there is no need. With the exception of C.C. Sabathia, who is lights out against every team that isn't the Red Sox, the Yankee pitching staff is still mediocre. Despite recent hits to their reputations, the Red Sox staff is better. Michael Pineda is nothing special, yet, and neither is Hiroki Kuroda, with his 41-46 lifetime record and 3.45 lifetime ERA. Some say Pineda will become great, but we just don't have much to go on yet.

There is certainly some flair in signing two starters so quickly, and abandoning a hot prospect to do it. But I see no reason for the Sox to panic; the Yankees may be the ones who finally got a little panicky.

If the Yanks sign Matt Garza (there is little or no evidence that they're trying), then you can panic. Well -- as a Sox fan you can panic any time you want. But I'm recommending against it, and I really doubt that Sox management has stepped up efforts to sign Oswalt or any other starting pitchers.