Sunday, March 11, 2012

The 'Power Of Five' Among Key Starters

After last night's 5-0 win over division rival Tampa, the two question marks in the Red Sox rotation have given Bobby Valentine nothing but answers. Both Daniel Bard (4th starter) and Alfredo Aceves (the front-runner as 5th starter) have so far each hurled five scoreless Spring innings. It looks as if Bard is making a seamless transition to the idea of pitching every fifth day, and Aceves' versatility in any role—including starter—is well-established.

Of course, all five starters have to be hitting on all cylinders for Boston to have any chance of making the post-season. If any one of them falters, it will likely be Year Three On The Outside Looking In—hey, that's a snappy theme for the Fenway Centennial! Paging the Mad Dentist!