I see a lot of fans jumping off ledges in a way I did last year around this time. Boy, was I ever wrong about that team. A few things to consider.

 

If this team had a 1-4 road trip, and then came home and played 6-4 ball by splitting TB and winning both OAK and LAA, would you have the same perspective on their chances? Of course not. I think we wipe the slate clean and start over on this road trip.

 

One of the most reassuring things is that the two teams ahead of the Sox, the Indians and Royals, are the most vulnerable and likely to slip, whereas the two most dangerous teams are still behind the Sox.

 

I think the Boston Red Sox would LOVE to be 7-8 right about now.

 

I'll take a .500 April if it brings every issue to the table and the team is willing and able to address it.

If he had proven that he absolutely could not stay healthy starting, or constantly dealt with lingering issues when starting games consistently, then I'd agree. He hasn't started a game this year and has been injured only once as a starting pitcher for the Chicago White Sox (I don't count a setback that they knew was going to happen as an injury).

 

So yes, if come August he can't stay healthy starting games, then I'd say use him out of the bullpen for the rest of the year. You have to try and get the most value of him as possible, and that begins with using him in the rotation.

 

It doesn't matter how many times he has been injured in a Sox uniform. He has been out the majority of the last 2 years. However, I am not for making him a reliever yet either. Another injury would probably change my mind though.

This team spent significantly more money this year than it did last. I didn't think they improved in the off season, did not see it in spring training, have not seen it through the first 15 games of the season. I don't know if it's panic, but certainly my doubts about the front office spending spree so far have been justified.

Edited April 18, 201114 yr by Marty34