Reports are that # 38 has shoulder problems. They are trying to avoid surgery. He might not be ready to pitch until after the All-Star Break.

Looks like Clay Bucholtz and Lester won't have to fight for the last spot.

The report on local TV (Portland,Me) said the Sox are thinking about opting out of his new contract

Well fellas shoulder problems happen when your 64 years old. I heard the surgery would may be career ending if he elects to have it.

I would hate to have Schilling "down for the count". But, there are pitchers in the Red Sox organization read to take over his position.

Bucholtz has been adding muscle-weight, and Lester is probably ready.

Yeah I think Buchholz will fill the #5 spot, BUT I would also expect to see Tavarez spot start a few games to keep Clay's innings down. Lester should be good for the whole season.

I think Buckholz is going to be a better pitcher than Lester. Lester will be a good 4 or 5 but Buckholz could be a 2 or 3 easy. Lester throws too many oitches and pitches with men on a lot. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad the Sox have him but I think Buckholz is the better prospect.

I wonder if Wakefield is feeling OK?

I thought about that too Pat. I think we will be okay with just Schilling out, especially if only for 1/2 season. But if Wake gets hurt too...that probably means Tavarez as a full time starter. Not a happy thought for me.

I think Buchholz is great, but I also think it's premature to consider him as a #2 or 3 man. He has only played 4 games in the Majors right? Too early to tell IMHO, even considering the no-hitter last season and his muscle weight-gain.

I agree about Buckholz, it will take a few years to get to a 2 or 3 but I think that is his potential. I think Lester is a perpetual 4 or 5.

Sox fan here since 1979. Clay is going to be a great pitcher...#2 or 3...no way...you are basing off a no hitter...and 4 starts. Every body thought that about bronson arroyo too. lester is proven except for the cancer that shortened his season. Lester is the man to go with. he has the capability for a lot of years and reminds me evertime of Tom Glavine wihta stronger arm. this kid will be good and underestimated until he is approaching 300 wins like Glavine. Rememeber if Schill is done for he eyar..there are still formidable right handers available to eat innings beter the tavarez....how about livan hernandez?

Sox fan here since 1954. I think Buckholz has better command and will grow stronger in the next couple of years. I think he can be dominating. I actually base this on his minor league career more than his stats from last year.

Lester scares me with how many men get on. I love the kid's feisty spirit and his great physical comeback. However, I think he will not be as good as Buckholz.

On a side note, I work with a guy who used to be a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals. We kid him all the time over two decisions he made. One was he cut John Tudor from his Class A ball club when he was a manager and the second was when he told the Cardinals that Tom Glavine wouldn't amount to anything. His quote was "I told the front office that the Glavine kid couldn't break a pane of glass." we zing him every chance we get.

Anyone see the recent footage of Tim Wakefield's flight with the Blue Angels?

Damn....still waiting for my turn.

Don

I didn't even hear about him flying with them.

What I did hear is that Curt Schilling beat Wake in some of the sprints they run at practice. Thank goodness he is a pitcher and nothing else.

He could always take HGH and be good again.