During the first couple of weeks this month, the Sox have plenty of days off in their schedule, so I don't see anything wrong with eliminating the #5 starter in our rotation for the time being, giving guys in the minors more time to work on their pitches before being given the call-up later on in the month. The Sox only have four guys on their big league club who are worthy of starting. Cotts, until his start in Minnesota, has looked great in the bullpen, and he shouldn't be given another opportunity of starting, since he'd most likely just give us a couple of innings and probably would allow 5+ runs in the process. There's noone else in the bullpen who can start. Rauch just shot himself in the foot Saturday leaving the ballpark early and didn't bring much command to the table, especially in that 4th inning!

 

Either we trade for a #5 starter or wait a little, giving someone in the minors a chance of getting more work in before a call-up (perhaps give Diaz another shot or bring up Munoz). But, for the time being, eliminate that #5 spot, going with a 4-man rotation, since it's a guaranteed loss if we don't do this, and it's not imperative that we keep a 5-man rotation at this time of the season.

During the first couple of weeks this month, the Sox have plenty of days off in their schedule, so I don't see anything wrong with eliminating the #5 starter in our rotation for the time being, giving guys in the minors more time to work on their pitches before being given the call-up later on in the month.  The Sox only have four guys on their big league club who are worthy of starting.  Cotts, until his start in Minnesota, has looked great in the bullpen, and he shouldn't be given another opportunity of starting, since he'd most likely just give us a couple of innings and probably would allow 5+ runs in the process.  There's noone else in the bullpen who can start.  Rauch just shot himself in the foot Saturday leaving the ballpark early and didn't bring much command to the table, especially in that 4th inning!

 

Either we trade for a #5 starter or wait a little, giving someone in the minors a chance of getting more work in before a call-up (perhaps give Diaz another shot or bring up Munoz).  But, for the time being, eliminate that #5 spot, since it's a guaranteed loss if not.

I think I read somewhere that the Fifth Starter is going to be skiped for a while cause of the Off-days, or Untill a Deal is made. I think the Start by Rauch was last time we need a fifth for some time

I think I read somewhere that the Fifth Starter is going to be skiped for a while cause of the Off-days, or Untill a Deal is made. I think the Start by Rauch was last time we need a fifth for some time

June 12th is the next time the Sox have to use the 5th starter.

It's easy to say 'go with a four man rotation'. But then down the stretch/in the playoffs when our big four are tired, well...