There's so many ways they can go with this. It's not unrealistic to see all these guys deserving some role in it:

Taylor, Smith, Fedde, Kay, Burke, Martin, Sandlin, Shane Smith, Thorpe. I'd be thinking smart to sign a FA, of which there are a good number this year, and then trade from depth -- maybe even for prospects -- refresh the system a bit.

Fedde is a FA but I'd imagine he's keen to stay on. Newcomb I think they let walk as they can't really justify him if he's not starting. But I dunno, there's an argument at the right price. We'll see how it shakes out, certainly looks intriquing, if not proven. And if they add a nice FA arm, potentially a very good staff.

Feels like Taylor is too much of a multi inning weapon now pretty much anywhere from the sixth inning on.

Will see how his arm rebounds after these two lengthy appearances...hopefully they don't need him until WED, but would be awful tempting for Venable to use him again if they get another lead on Mon.

If this opener strategy works at least through CLE to reach the ALCS, it's likely going to become their niche, and just not certain if it stands up over 162 games with Hagen and Taylor throwing as much as they are...

Perhaps they follow the Padres' model and add the elite reliever and then work backwards from there to shorten the game.

Let's say signing Morejon, for example.

Wouldn't JR rather bring in 2-3 elite bullpen arms and pay them $30-35 million combined than one Skubal at $40+?

Is this also a place where Ishbia might get involved to put them over the top? No idea!

Edited 37 minutes ago37 min by caulfield12

Assuming there is a season the Sox need two dependable starting pitchers.

I can't see the continuing use of openers as a long term successful philosophy. It simply puts to much strain on a bullpen. And it doesn't work all the time.

Get two guys to go with Burke and Martin and have one of the kids check in at #5.

Edited 23 minutes ago23 min by Lip Man 1