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with emphasis
You made the key point in Kim being the "missing piece".  The Sox a contenders and need pitching; Kim could be the difference whether as a starter, set-up, or closer - maybe most as a closer.  More regular playing time for Millar, Ortiz, Mueller and Giambi is a plus so the Sox gained by losing Hillenbrand.
Sox and Cubs?  It's not to early to imagine it.