The Fourth Starter
Going into the playoffs the Sox will have Beckett, Lester, and Dice-K as shoe-ins for a start, who will be the fourth guy? I say it has to be Wake. With Wakefield you know what you have early in the start and if Tito is not afraid to pull him right away if he does not have it: there is a lot of upside. When Wake is on, he can totally shut down a team.
Paul Byrd did what he was supposed to do when he joined the Sox; fill in for some injuries and help the team reach the playoffs. Boston has received what they needed from him and the Sox should not expect much more. You know when Byrd starts a game the opposing team is going to score runs, if the offense does not come up big the team is headed for a loss. Picking Wake over Byrd is a gamble but one the Red Sox must take if it is needed.
2 comments:
Byrd to the pen! We need a long reliever in their anyway since Fartolo ditched us for all-you-can-eat gorditas.
First of all, we may not even use a fourth starter in the ALDS, so it may all be moot.
However, if they do, I don't think either pitcher would be a bad choice for a #4. Both have fared well in big games, and both can give you a chance to win.
I would keep both on the roster, and look at the matchups, the venue, and assess their bullpen sessions. Then, start the one who seems to have an edge. But, keep the other guy available for long relief, if needed.
Gut feeling is I would start Wakefield and go to Byrd if needed.
But, I am not sure which of the two has better success coming out of the pen. that could sway the decision a tad too.
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