[Zen653]

I'm definitely worried about Schilling. He's supposed to be the ace of our staff and he hasn't pitched like one in over two weeks. He's getting hit hard, to all parts of the ballpark. Maybe it's a good thing that the Red Sox didn't extend his contract during spring training. He had an opportunity to slay the dragon last night and failed miserably. If he's suddenly lost it, and if Wakefield is going to continue giving up 5+ runs every time out, and if Beckett loses confidence in his breaking pitches because of his avulsion, our starting pitching will suddenly look very pedestrian. I'm glad that Matsuzaka at least seems to be improving. Everyone else is going downhill.

I also think we're relying way too much on the potential of Jon Lester as staff savior. I feel we'd get more out of Kason Gabbard, who for unexplained reasons continues to slide under radar despite compiling impressive minor league numbers and looking very good in limited major league appearances.