Red Sox May Delay Smoltz's Arrival

John Smoltz was not light's out in his last start with the PawSox so the team is not sure they want him to start Thursday's game vs. the Marlins. If Smoltz does not start at Fenway on Thursday he will start with the PawSox. It makes sense to have him go one more in Pawtuckett since the team has Penny pitching well. There are two factors that are influencing this decision; the first is what happens tonight. If Dice-K gets shelled and has to be pulled early then Wake will be the go to guy. This would open a spot in the rotation for Smoltz this week. The other factor is the trade market, the Sox are looking for the best possible deal for Penny and are not going to rush into a bad one just to make room for Smoltz. All things considered not a bad situation to be in.