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November 28, 2003

The Race Begins

Boston just made a big more to cement their 2004 pitching rotation, convincing right hander Curt Schilling to accept a trade from Arizona to Boston. With a rotation of Martinez, Schilling, Lowe, Wakefield, and Kim, the Red Sox are in a much better position to take on the Yankees next year. The Sox will still have to be careful to not wear out that rotation, and a closer is still a big need, but Martinez and Schilling are both grade A starters, and their back three are all capable of being number two or three starters on most teams. Assuming that everyone stays healthy (never a wise assumption, of course, so they'll need some backup plans), the Sox starting rotation should give them 75 wins and over 1000 innings next year. That means even a bullpen like 2003's will put them in the money again.

Next up, however, is stabilizing the offense. Several Red Sox had career years last year, which means they're due for a letdown. Theo Epstein's made a great move here, but he's going to need to find a better second baseman and a good DH to make sure they can go on scoring runs next year.