While past performance and reputation will play a
part, it looks as if
merit will be the driving force in deciding the order of the Red Sox starting rotation. As it should be. Given the relative equality of the five candidates, whoever steps up in Spring Training
should get the Opening Day start. When asked about this issue, manager
John Farrell stated,
"Merit is one. You factor in what’s taken place either the year or years before." Frankly, whether it's
Clay Buchholz,
Rick Porcello,
Wade Miley,
Joe Kelly or
Justin Masterson doesn't really matter—getting a number one
does.
