2007 Red Sox Prochecy- Pitching Staff 1 of 3

Personally, March 1st is when the Red Sox officially commence their season. All the hoopla that transpires the four months prior to now is for the obsessed. Needless to say, the winter in Red Sox Nation was a busy one. The team spent a month trying to sign Dice-K, which eventually cost the club over 100 million. In came J.D. Drew, Julio Lugo, Brendan Donnelly, Hideki Okajima, Joel Pineiro, and J.C. Romero. Of all, only Donnelly seems like a brilliant signing.
In part 1 of a 3 part series previewing the Red Sox, I focus on the staff. As far as starters go, it's kind of like beer; one can never have too much. Health is always a factor. Last season, the club was decimated by injuries to Matt Clement, Jonathan Papelbon and Mike Timlin, just to name a few. The club was unable to establish a fifth starter, circling in various arms that never truly worked.
The 2007 staff looks outstanding, especially on paper. With Tim Wakefield and Curt Schilling, the club has two consistent and dependable starters. Papelbon will join the rotation as the likely ace, a pitcher who is dominant. Last season, he was tremendous as the closer, and despite season ending surgery, he finished with a sparkling 0.92 ERA. Josh Beckett, who struggled last season, showed improvement in the second half of the season and will continue to get accustomed to his new home. His success will depend on keeping the ball down, which will keep the ball in the yard. Last year, he was clearly tipping his pitches. The opponents waited on his breaking ball and crushed his fastballs. If he adds another pitch, reintroduces his change-up and regains command of his fastball, he surely will have a Cy Young caliber season.
Jon Lester will be the wildcard. Coming back from cancer was a terrific story. He should be the club's fifth starter at worse. The team needs a lefty, and he showed much promise last season. One key will be his performance after the fifth inning, as last year his troubles existed after the first 5 innings. Building up his arm strength is imperative, meaning he may stay in Fort Myers for some extended spring training.
Matt Clement, who is recovering from surgery, can be a welcomed arm when he returns post All-Star break. Hopefully, his control of his pitches will by then improved.
Kyle Snyder did an admirable job as a spot starter and long reliever last year. If he makes the club, which is all but certain, that same role will be asked of him again. Although Pineiro is penciled in as the likely closer, he will likely compete with Snyder for his role. Though it may work, Pineiro is not the answer at closer. He is to inconsistent and his stuff is far from overpowering. Instead of dealing Bronson Arroyo and his 4 million per year salary, he could still be here at the same cost as Pineiro. But that's water under the bridge.
As far as set-up men go, Timlin and Donnelly are perfect, though I believe the latter should close. Timlin could work the 8th and Donnelly should close. I believe Donnelly would relish as the closer, he'd save 40 games easy.
Situational lefties are a must. The Sox have Javier Lopez and Romero, though neither seem
intriguing. Lopez has a long way to go, and Romero is attempting to reignite his mediocre career.
David Pauley and Kason Gabbard showed hints of success at the end of last year. Though the latter has the advantage of being a left handed, both could end up being significant players for the club this year. Time will tell.
Manny Delcarmen and Craig Hansen are the club's two best prospects. In my mind, Delcarmen could be the set up man for Hansen. If his back problems are behind him, no pun intended, Hansen should be the closer, if not this year, the following year. I like the tandem of a Timlin-Donnelly 8th and 9th inning, but a Delcarmen-Hansen is just as proficient.
Julian Tavarez showed great promise late last year, after Papelbon went down with an injury. Even so, his erratic personality and inconsistency on the mound leaves his as a wildcard. You could get aid from him, or he may implode. I see him somewhere in the middle.
The team will keep a few promising arms down in Pawtucket to start the year. Abe Alvarez, Craig Breslow, Devern Hansack and Edgar Martinez are just a few names that may join the club no later than September.
Overall, the staff and bullpen look good. The club signed a handful of guys that may prosper in a new environment. But some won't. Injuries play a major role in baseball, and one can count on that happening this year and for years to come.
Dice-K will start strong, Beckett will pitch well, Papelbon will shine and Donnelly will close. The team's strongest point this year should be pitching. The rotation, on paper, is as good as any. Expect big things from the club in 2007.