Boston Starting Rotation

I know, I know, where is the Dice-man anyways? Well, while the team expects him to be able to make a start somewhere around mid-April, but until then I have to go with the cards that I am dealt. So without further ado.................................................................................................................................................................................................................

your 2010 World Champion Boston Red Sox starting rotation...

#1 Josh Beckett. Word on the street is that Beckett is progressing in contract negotiations already, which normally goes against team negotiation norms. So ol' number 19 maybe be around for a bit longer. He is the anchor that makes the team go, but it is always a toss-up how steady that anchor is from season to season. I think he will make a fine #1, but there is always a solid option at the #2...
Jon Lester. One of my favorite players in all baseball, and a would-be #1 starter for many other teams in the league. I like him in this spot though because most matchups should favor him at least slightly to heavily in some cases. Of course you can't win if you don't score, so it will be up to the guys to determine just how good of a season that Lester can produce. I predict a terrific year.

#3 - John Lackey. Alright, alright, this will be my last "Horse Face" post. The dude has some monster chompers though, and he normally grits them as he is mowing down teams batters. Saw it too many times over the years AGAINST my team, so I guess it is nice that he take it out on the other teams for a change. He has had some injury woes over the last couple years though, so it is up to him and the trainers to keep him healthy.
#4 - Tim Wakefield. I am unapologetic about this one. Yes, Wakefield was instrumental in the 2004 championship, and yes his knuckler can throw a kink in hitters timing in a series, but his health has been an issue for about 25 years now and it really is creating a barrier for guys like Clay Buchholz to find a permanent spot in the rotation. I think that Wakefield would work out great as a middle-reliever or an occasional set up guy...hell, it might even keep the strain off of his back through the grueling schedule. Of course he has been just mowing them down in spring training...but March is not August and September when they need consistency the most.

#5 - Clay Buchholz...well speak of the devil...Mr Buchholz gets to start the season. Key word is "start" because as soon as Dice K is ready to roll, I believe Clay will be headed back to Pawtucket, where he probably has established a permanent home at this point. I believe their are two scenarios that will play out this year...one of the Sox starters (my guess is Dice or Wake) get shut down for an extended amount of time and Clay gets the bump, OR Clay gets traded this year...I think both are equally likely. While I certainly don't hope for injuries, this kid deserves to play...somewhere.