[SchillingIsTheNatural]

Originally Posted by jacksonianmarch

I wouldnt be so sure...

Lets say DiceK is out for an extended period of time, which when making contingency plans, you must assume the worst.

That leaves you with...

Beckett
Colon
Wakefield
Lester
....

Right now, the sox are actually moving Mastersons start back to get him right in line with DiceK's start, essentially meaning that right now, Masterson is considered the favorite for DiceK's start. Now lets assume that Masterson isnt in the sox plans as a starter for a long time this yr. Lets say that Buchholz eventually takes the spot the second time around. That leaves you with...

Beckett
Colon
Wake
Lester
Buchholz

and Masterson in the minors. Schilling is throwing, but is so far from a sure bet to make it from the majors that he cannot even be on the radar screen right now. So therefore, its those 5 with Masterson as the 6th starter sitting in AAA and DiceK out for an extended period of time with arm issues. Looking at the recent history, Colon's shoulder holds out for around 10 or so starts before it goes to crap. Therefore, Masterson in the starter's role is necessary in the event that Colon goes down.

As the season goes along, these contingency plans can get modified. If Colon continues to throw well and doesnt tire, then you have a spot secure. If DiceK's arm is solid and he comes back and is dominant again, then you have another spot secure. If Schill beats the odds and comes back as a reliable 6th starter then the contingency spot is secure. THAT is when you move Masterson to the pen. But for right now, there is a chance that JMast sees a lot of time in your rotation, and that chance will keep him from getting transitioned for awhile.

Based on the Red Sox depth in the rotation and the amount of quality arms...I don't see the Red Sox abusing any of them. Clay Buchholz has a finger nail problem and he goes right on the DL. Dice K has a tired arm (which I promise he can still pitch if they asked him) is going to miss a start or two. Bartolo Colon was able to take off over a month before we decided to get him involved...any setbacks and they won't hestitate to give him a DL stint. Thats the beauty of depth...you don't need to push any of them.