DISQUS

Dawn · 2 years ago

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.

Bill Burt · 2 years ago

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 · 2 years ago

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.

Bill Burt · 2 years ago

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 · 2 years ago

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 · 2 years ago

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 · 2 years ago

6-man rotation? Please?

Bill Burt · 2 years ago

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 · 2 years ago

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

Bill Burt · 2 years ago

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 · 2 years ago

tickets are affordable
it's the cost of beer that's killing me

Eric · 2 years ago

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 · 2 years ago

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.

Bill Burt · 2 years ago

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 · 2 years ago

Bill,
If you're not even going to respond to my comment, then why not just delete it?

Bill Burt · 2 years ago

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.