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Sox starting rotation: What is yours?

Jul 24th, 2007 by Bill Burt

Terry Francona has a problem. Sure, it’s a good problem, but it’s a problem.

Keeping guys happy is a big deal in New York and Boston, as Joe Torre and Francona will attest to.

Anyway, with Curt Schilling back within a week, and Jon Lester AND Kason Gabbard looked like pitching stallions lately, there will be decisions to make.

What your rotation be, in order, of top to bottom:

 1. Josh Beckett: This is a given. He is their ace. He is winning sometimes easily despite not having his best stuff. He starts any playoff series.

2. Daisuke Matsuzaka: To be honest, I’m slightly disappointed. Not the to the point his countrymen are (they thought he’d mow down MLB hitters), but lately he has lost focus at inopportune times. Despite that, he is their No. 2 right now. That could change with Schilling, but I’m leaing Dice-K, who I expect to pitch very well in August and September.

3. Curt Schilling: Just his demeanor in the dugout and in the clubhouse tells us that he is feeling really good. If he comes back and is within 80 percent of the guy who one-hit the A’s last month, he will be the No. 2. But right now, banking on a seven-inning guy who will give up two or three runs, is realistic and probable.

4. Jon Lester: Yes, he looked that good. This is no knock on Kason Gabbard, who is right with Lester when it comes to competitive drive, but Lester is the real deal. While he might not be Sandy Kofax, as Julian Tavarez called him in April, he was on his game against a good offensive team.

5. Tim Wakefield: This is a tough one because I think Gabbard is for real. But for this team, this year, Wakefield gets the nod. Of course, Wakefield has to sprinkle in a few “sparkling” performances over the next month, but he is a nice change of pace. My guess is that Lester would be the No. 4 and Wakefield would be relegated to bullpen status if the Sox make the playoffs. Gabbard, too, has earned a look-see in the bullpen.

With Gabbard and Lester both making this staff, two guys have to go. Is it Joel Peneiro, who was designated for assignment yesterday? Yes. The other guy is a tough one. My guess is Mike Timlin or Manny Delcarmen would be the next two candidates. Honestly, both have been very good lately. That would be a tough call.

 Send me your thoughts and what your starting rotation would be? And why?

Posted in Red Sox | Comments

  • I'm not sure I am ready to see Lester in the post-season (should we be so lucky -- I take nothing for granted, corn-and-raised a Sox fan & all) after just one outing. His command is still shaky. He seems to lose his confidence in the strike zone as soon as someone gets a big hit off him, just like he did last year. Sure, he pitched his way out of it last night. But he pitched his way into it too. Don't get me wrong. I am cheering for him every step of the way. But I think I need to see some more proof that he's harnessed his "real deal abilities" before I choose him over Gabbard in the rotation just yet. The last thing we need in October is a kid on the hill who gets nervous if he gives up a hit, no matter how much he's stolen our hearts & earned our support. Maybe that will change after a few more outings, but as of right now, I take your rotation and swap you Lester for Gabbard.
  • Dawn
    I'm not talking October yet. I'm talking right now, or when Schilling returns. I believe Lester still has something to prove, but I think you know what you're getting with him. Anyway, what would you do when Schilling returns? Who goes packing or to Pawtucket?
  • Patrick
    As much as I love the fact that Wakefield has been a rock for years, I feel like the starting staff would be stronger with Gabbard in his place. I am tired of the knuckleballer taking up a spot in the rotation.
  • Patrick
    I like Gabbard. And if he threw three of every four starts like has done his last two, he would have to be in the rotation I believe. He's left-handed, which is always a plus ... But -- you knew there'd be one of these -- Wakefield has been around the block a few times and you can't just throw away experience.
    I realize Lester and Gabbard are not proven yet, but I'm buying into both of them. I've always liked Lester. I remember Jason Varitek saying "This kid is going to be a good one, trust me."
  • Pat Gray
    Lester coming back last night was certainly inspiring. He pitched well enough to get the victory, but he was as shaky last night as he often was last season. Right now, he is basicaly a six inning picture.

    Gabbard is pitching amazingly right now, and I'd like to see the Sox ride the strong arm right now. He is throwing groundball outs, doesn't walk much, and is eating innings. I'd like to see him stay in the rotation upon Schilling's return.

    I don't see much point in keeping both of them in the rotation, as I like the different looks provided by have a lefty and Wakefield as part of the five. If both were to stay, though, Delcarmen and Timlin would seem to be much safer, based on recent performance, than would Kyle Snyder.
  • Andy
    Bill,
    Just wanted to let you know that those of us with a brain realize that you're not a racist, and we don't even entertain any of these stupid discussions that others are having.
    In fact, we also realize that idiots like Larry Johnson (who cannot even bother to learn how to pronounce "Jianlian") are truly racist, disgusting Americans. I'm ashamed to live in the same country as Mr. Johnson, but proud to share it with you.
  • Jason
    6-man rotation? Please?
  • Jason
    Nobody brought that up, a six-man rotation, but it is a subject I will be looking at, with some decent empirical data.
  • dane strother
    This whole sports thing is over the top. Let's talk about global warming and how it's affecting snowmen throughout the country.

    thank you
  • Dane
    Are you that famous video hockey-player in Derry, N.H. that lived below Bob "The Blaster"?
    As for sports being over the top, spending lots of money on the Washington Nationals tickets might fit that category.
  • dane strother
    tickets are affordable
    it's the cost of beer that's killing me
  • Eric
    Bill,
    You're right, it's a nice problem to have, and I list them this way:
    1) Beckett, 2) Dice, 3) Schill, 4) Wake, 5) Lester.
    Wake has the track record and watching Lester in 1 start is simply not enough to elevate to #4, let's give him at least the next start before upgrading over Wake. And on your assumption of keeping Gabbard and Lester, than yes, you send Piniero packing, but I contest the choices you list of Timlin and Delcarmen. If you keep Gabbard up, send Lopez down (he has options) and keep Manny around (and you can't send Timlin down unless he agrees to it I think at his veteran status).
    Thanks!
    Eric
  • Nick
    When Schilling comes back, I would hope that Javier Lopez is shipped out. While it is good to have two lefties in the bullpen, the fact is this guy has been mediocre at best at his "specialty". Lefties are hitting .283 against him which is way to high. He also still has options, and they can bring him back in September, so I can't imagine him NOT being the guy sent out.
  • Guys (and gals)
    This is good discussion. Timlin and Delcarmen have earned their stripes lately and Lopez has really done the job, for the most part, in his role. If Gabbard and Lester were to be around in October, Lopez could still stay because he is good at what he does, getting out lefties late in games.
    As was noted earlier, this is a nice problem to have. Lester and Gabbard have to continue doing what they've done to keep this nice problem alive.
    I will say, I believe Lester is going to be great over the next two months.
  • Andy
    Bill,
    If you're not even going to respond to my comment, then why not just delete it?
  • Andy
    I forgot to respond, but honestly, I don't worry about ridiculous comments from people who don't know me. As for Larry Johnson, I don't know why you mention him. He's a good guy and didn't say anything to me about this issue. Thanks.
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