Sox Stockpiling Arms For 162 Game War

Last year the Red Sox lead the American League in ERA, WHIP, BAA and Shut Outs. This year they'll be without their number three starter for at least the first half of the season, but that hasn't taken away from the excitement surrounding the team's pitching staff. Schilling's injury pales in comparison to the disappointments of last year's pitching staff.

Not only did Schilling miss a quarter of the season last year, but Matsuzaka had some rookie growing pains, Jon Lester missed most of the season because he was still weak from chemotherapy, and Tim Wakefield and Clay Buchholz had to be shut down at the end of the year. There was also Hideki Okajima's fatigue, having gone from pitching 54 innings in 2006, to pitching 69 innings last year.

But Hideki Okajima has an answer for his fatigue this year. Via Extra Bases comes the news that Okajima's going to tone down his off the field throwing. The rigorous throwing schedules of Japanese pitchers probably aren't very conducive to a lengthy major league season. Okajima's also been doing some "secret" tampering with his pitches to battle an familiarity hitters may begin to have with him.

Jon Lester is also in camp. As one of the first Red Sox players to arrive this year, he's got to be excited about finally being healthy again. Lester got off to a fast start to his major league career, going 5-0 with a 2.38 ERA over his first eight starts. But he would soon fatigue as symptoms of his cancer. And what was a bright, promising career had to be put on hold for a year. Lester's only 24 though, so he's got plenty of years left on his arm.

Josh Beckett, and Manny Delcarmen are also both in camp, coming off stellar years. Although he wasn't used in as many important spots, Delcarmen's success last year rivaled that of Okajima. His ERA+ was actually better than Okajima's. Delcarmen was good for 11 holds (3rd most on the team) and a save to go with his 1.02 WHIP.

And while Daisuke may have struggled at times last year, his season was overall very solid for a rookie. In fact, he was the first rookie pitcher to record 200 strikeouts since Kerry Wood in 1998. And that was in the National League. You'd have to go back to 1984 to find the last American League rookie who accomplished that feat.

If Matsuzaka replicated his 2007 season he'll be a solid number three starter in the American League East. But I think most are excited about the likelihood of bigger and better things from the Japanese wunderkind.

Spring Training Update

Red Sox pitchers and catchers officially report to Spring Training on Valentine's Day in eight days. And Truck Day is this Saturday. As for Red Sox players, it's been reported that Jon Lester is already down in Ft. Meyers. Many other Red Sox players are soon to follow soon.

On February 16th, pitchers and catchers will have their first scheduled workout. February 20th is the officially reporting date for position players. February 22nd is the first team workout. And finally, on February 28th, the Red Sox will hold their first Spring Training game against Boston College.

Manny has recently said that he plans to show up to Spring Training on time this year! When's the last time he did that? It's a contract year, so I'm sure I'm not the only one sensing big things from the future Hall of Famer. I'd bet money on the fact that his numbers will put PECOTA to shame.

Red Sox Miss Out On Santana

I have to say, I'm a little disappointed that the Red Sox didn't acquire Johan Santana. The prospect of having Johan Santana, Josh Beckett, Curt Schilling and Clay Buchholz all in the same rotation was mouthwatering. Was Santana truly necessary for the Red Sox? No.

The Red Sox still have what most consider to be the second best rotation in the league. And I'm elated to see Jacoby Ellsbury return to the Red Sox. If nothing more, Ellsbury is a thrilling spark plug. Even if he doesn't turn out to be the next Ichiro, Ellsbury certainly has the OBP ability and blazing speed to be a dangerous leadoff hitter.

But I have to wonder if the Red Sox are overvaluing Jon Lester. The Red Sox reportedly weren't willing to give up Lester when the Twins came to them, asking for the team's best offer. Of course, other players would have been involved in a Santana deal. It will be interesting to reevaluate the trade that wasn't once Lowrie and Masterson have made the majors as well.

There's a chance that Lowrie could replace Lugo as early as next year. Masterson is probably a year or two away from being a major league ready starter but he may find a spot in the Red Sox bullpen as early as next year. Some speculated that he could immediately become the closer for the Twins.