A new day is looming for Red Sox Nation, but it is still well before the dawn. There is no way to tell what the 2006 Red Sox are going to look like, at least not yet. Nontheless, there are key storylines worth following in these final days of the 2005 MLB postseason, storylines that could get hot and heavy in the ensuing weeks.

As they say in the news business, “these are some of the stories we’re keeping an eye on for you …”

• The General Manager. As we all know by now, Theo Epstein is eight days away from free agency – unrestricted free agency. His contract runs out when the clock strikes midnight on Halloween, and it’s nearly impossible to imagine the Sox without Epstein (or Epstein without the Sox.)

Most reports on the negotiations have centered on money, and by all accounts the two sides are far apart. Epstein became the game’s youngest GM at the start of 2003, and had little leverage when signing that contract. One World Championship later, and the not-so-young Epstein has much more bargaining power on his side.

Yet, this is not just about money. It’s about power and responsibility. There are many owners in the Red Sox front office, and a powerful, charismatic front man in Larry Lucchino. Epstein undoubtedly wants to be assured that he will be in charge of baseball operations for the team.

Expect this deal to get done this week. Both sides have too much at stake to not make it happen.

• The Left Fielder. Yes, it’s time for our periodic Manny Update. The Sox reportedly tried to move Ramirez to the Mets, looking for center fielder Carlos Beltran in return. The Mets reportedly said no. Now Manny reportedly would OK a deal to the Angels or Indians. Of course, neither team can handle his contract right now, but that’s not Manny’s issue.

This is why the Sox came so close to moving Ramirez in July. He’s now a “10-5” guy, a player with 10 years of major-league service, five with the same team. He can veto any trade.

The Sox will no doubt spend much of this fall in discussions concerning Ramirez. They might also find themselves in a situation where they lay the extensive groundwork needed to move the game’s second-biggest salary, only to have the deal vetoed by the player himself.

• The Left-Handed Starter. David Wells wants out. The big lefty has reportedly asked the Sox to trade him so he can finish the season on the West Coast, closer to his San Diego home. Wells was an effective starter for the Sox this season, winning 15 games. He’s only guaranteed $2.5 million next year, but cost the Sox $9 million (including incentive clauses) in 2005.

The Sox will try to grant Boomer’s request, and there should be a fair number of takers. With the money they save, they could bolster the pitching staff with a starter (A.J. Burnett, Kevin Millwood) or a reliever (B.J. Ryan, Billy Wagner).

• The Free Agents. As always, there are plenty of big-name free agents ready to bolt for greener bank accounts. Johnny Damon, Bill Mueller, Mike Timlin, Tony Graffanino, Kevin Millar and John Olerud are the top names on the list.

This is an annual rite of fall in baseball. Timlin is the most likely to be back. Beyond that, it’s anybody’s guess. It is not a deep free agent class, but there are other players out there that could fill voids left behind. In addition, the Sox are always involved in the trade market, and have proven themselves adept at creating innovative deals.

The kindling hasn’t even been thrown onto the baseball hot stove yet, and the rumors are already flying. As always, it promises to be another interesting off season for Sox fans.

Lewiston native Tom Caron is a NESN sports analyst for Red Sox and Bruins telecasts.