Jon Lester’s early exit Tuesday night was not good news for the Sox’ rotation. Lester in the last week was beginning to look like the Lester of old. With him now also on the DL, some changes will have to be made, and it’s just not bringing up Scott Atchison from Pawtucket.
Clay Buchholz is still feeling back pain, and saw a specialist yesterday. After John Lackey’s July 4 performance, it has become obvious that he is not, and may never be, the pitcher he was in LA. There are even rumors that Lackey will need Tommy John surgery.
In a worst-case scenario, the Sox may be going into the second half of the season with a pitching staff of “Beckett and Miller and pray for rain” I am exaggerating, of course. Tim Wakefield and Alfredo Aceves have both come through with some fine efforts.There are supposed to be good arms in Pawtucket, but apparently not ready to be brought up.
Here’s a thought, however. The Atlanta Braves have a veteran pitcher who is said to be available. His name is Derek Lowe. I know he has had some recent off-field problems. But at age 38, he has been a fairly dependable starter with a 5-6 record amd 4.21 ERA, stats that are much better than those of Lackey. His history with the early-2000’s Sox includes a no-hitter and a 21-win season. You might be able to get him for less than, say, a Carl Pavano.
For those of us who remember the late 70’s Sox, teams with great hitting and mediocre pitching often miss the postseason by a few games. Let’s hope it doesn’t happen this year.
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