Between 1912 and 1918, the Red Sox won four World Series. That's four titles in seven years. With their young left-handed slugger (and occasional ace pitcher) from Baltimore, there was seemingly nothing to stand in the way of making more history and establishing the first baseball dynasty. In doing so, the Sox would attain elite hardball status and raise a flag in the Fens designating Boston as the center of the baseball universe.

We know all too well, however, that this never came to fruition. Boston owner Harry Frazee's mortal sin committed on January 5, 1920 haunted all in Red Sox Nation for 86 long, painful, excruciating, disappointing, miserable (feel free to add your own adjective here) years before redemption was finally achieved on a late October night in St. Louis three seasons ago.

Nearly a century later, the Red Sox find themselves in a unique position. They've been presented with an opportunity for a second chance, something not usually afforded by history. The Red Sox team as currently comprised is unquestionably formidable and will likely be the odds-on favorite to repeat as champs when the 2008 season opens in just over two months.

But that's not the point. As the Red Sox Mission Statement avows, the goal is "to bring world championships to Boston and New England." The best means to accomplish this end is to add Johan Santana to the roster provided the cost is not prohibitive, and even if the price includes Jacoby Ellsbury.

Yes, you read correctly. I can almost hear the collective gasp throughout Red Sox Nation for making what will surely be perceived by the masses as an absurd, outrageous suggestion.

Hey, I understand Sox fans' lust for the kid. He's the shiny new Aston Martin you see your neighbor pull into his driveway one day while you're washing your Ford Taurus. It's at that exact moment that you realize it's time for an upgrade. It's hard to argue with that logic given Ellsbury's performance down the stretch last season and in the playoffs. The rookie outfielder showcased all of his baseball tools and proved to be an invaluable member of the championship squad.

Ellsbury further endeared himself to the legions with the confident, even-keeled demeanor of a ten year veteran and the humility and respect found in the likes of Tom Brady and Mike Lowell. Given this seemingly perfect combination of talent and makeup, it's completely understandable why so many fans, coaches, fellow players and people around the game feel Ellsbury is an excellent fit to not only play but star in Boston.

All that's nice, fun, sexy and great...but it's besides the point. Adding Santana, who is currently the best pitcher in the game, to the brilliant Josh Beckett and immensely talented (and hopefully well acclimated) Daisuke Matsuzaka gives the Sox the best chance to win multiple championships in the immediate future.

Disagree? Consider the motivational factor alone for a team facing the Sox in a short playoff series. Curt Schilling, one of the greatest postseason pitchers in the history of baseball, would be the fourth best starter the opposing team would have to match-up against. In other words, the opponent's best chance for a victory wouldn't come until Game 4. And oh yeah, Clay Buchholz and Jonathan Papelbon are waiting in the bullpen.

For those still on the fence, use history as a guide. The key player (i.e. the top prospect) the Red Sox gave up in the Beckett trade was Hanley Ramirez, arguably one of the top twenty or thirty players in the game right now. Despite this, does anyone in their right mind believe at this point that the Sox shouldn't have made that deal? Of course not. Because without Beckett last year the Sox not only fail to win the World Series but possibly miss the playoffs altogether and/or finish behind the Yankees for a twelfth consecutive season.

The inclusion of Ellsbury in a Santana deal is no different than packaging Ramirez for Beckett. Sure you're giving up your best young position player, in this case a guy Peter Gammons said "may turn into a blend of Grady Sizemore and Steve Finley." But in return you receive an ace who dramatically increases your chances for October dominance. Which is of course the objective. If you need to be reminded of this, reminisce about how much fun it is to take in a matinee parade down Boylston Street around Halloween and how great it would be to make this a yearly Hub tradition.

If the Sox capitalize on this opportunity before them they'll effectively rewrite baseball history. No longer will anyone care, or even remember, the Curse of the Bambino. Instead, all of baseball will be too busy trying to figure out how to beat the damn Sox.

This column was written on January 19, 2008.