If I were Francona, I would drop Beckett (whose 2010 record was 6-6 with a career-worst 5.78 ERA) all the way to fifth in the rotation since Dice-K, by comparison, had a better year and an ERA that was a full run better at 4.69, though he didn't go deep into games as he only at 15 decisions (9-6) in 25 starts. But it really doesn't matter anyway who is fourth or fifth, since they both have to prove they aren't past their prime and that their struggles this spring won't carry over to the regular season.
Speaking of proving himself, Jonathan Papelbon has been having a terrible time lately, giving up four runs to the Mets yesterday, three to the Twins a week ago, with a perfect inning against the Yankees in between those appearances (on Monday). He says it's a mechanical issue that's causing problems (which has led to control issues and walks). If he doesn't figure it out by the end of April, he'll be looking over his shoulder to see two closers in waiting, the young phenom Daniel Bard and former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks.
So the Sox have depth at the closer spot. That's a given. With Bard, newcomers Dan Wheeler, former Yankee standout reliever Alfredo Aceves (14-1, 3.21 ERA in 59 appearances over three seasons), and of course, Jenks, relief on the right side looks strong. It's the left side of the bullpen that's the glaring weakness.
It's so bad that late in the offseason, GM Theo Epstein chose to bring struggling southpaw Hideki Okajima back to the team. He, Dennys Reyes, local boy and former Chicago Cub Rich Hill, Andrew Miller and youngster Felix Doubront are the lefty relievers the Sox have to choose from this spring. Doubront was shut down recently with elbow tightness and is only now throwing again (a simulated game), while Reyes (a native of Mexico) is a bit behind due to visa issues, and neither Okajima nor Miller have looked impressive this spring (though Miller has looked the better of the two of late).
Article comments
1 - Victor Lana
Hey, Charley, they got some rotation. "To die for" to be sure. Hey, you think the Sox want a back-up 2nd baseman? Luis Castillo is looking for work.
2 - charlie doherty
He could be a good addition to the Sox, like an Alex Cora-type, but with more speed. I don't think there's any room for him now though, so if he's still available in June, then he'd be a good fit in Boston (when someone in the infield is bound to be injured, as much as I hope against it).