Red Sox 2006 Part 3

Part Three of my look at the Red Sox 2006 obsession

Starting Rotation: Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, David Wells, Tim Wakefield, Matt Clement, Bronson Arroyo

This is where a lot of things have to go right if the Red Sox expect to have a successful season. Schilling again steps in as the ace of the staff. In 2005 due to the ankle injury he received in 2004 playoffs Schilling was a shell of his former self. Schilling's numbers fell from 21-6 with an ERA of 3.26 with 203 strikeouts in 2004 to 8-8 with an ERA of 5.69 with 87 strikeouts. After the season Schilling spoke about how stressful the season was on him and appeared to visibly shaken after he spoke about a teammate openly asking why fans weren't booing Schilling. If the Red Sox are to succeed they Schilling back both physically and mentally. Reports that I have read say that he's in good shape and has lost significant weight. One positive thing after Schilling returned was he hadn't lost much velocity still managing to strikeout 87 batters in 93.1. Schilling will probably never be at the level he was at in 2004 again. One thing though you never want to bet against Schilling because like he proved in the 2004 playoffs and World Series he's capable of anything. If the Red Sox can get 180 innings and 16-18 wins again they should be thrilled. It's also important that he rediscover that swagger that made him one of the most feared pitchers in baseball.

Josh Beckett: If you would have told me at the end of the season that the Red Sox would end up with Beckett this offseason I would have said that you were nuts. This is exactly the type of player that the Red Sox had to get. His health is a concern with his blister and shoulder problems but when this guy is on he's on. Last season he went 15-8 with an ERA of 3.38 with 166 strikeouts. He's 6-5 weighs 223 and he's only 25 years old. That's the perfect frame for a power pitcher and he still has 3-4 years left in his prime. The guys idol growing up was Roger Clemens. Putting him together with Schilling should also help his development. Beckett also comes with added bonus of standing in the spotlight during the World Series and shining the pressure shouldn't get to him. Did I mention he did it against the Yankees? In Yankee Stadium? And that he was the World Series MVP. Beckett has the potential to be the Red Sox ace for years to come. Great great move bringing him in even if you did have to swallow Mike Lowell's contract to do it.

David Wells: He wants to leave. That's informants because he's still a very good pitcher. Especially at Fenway where I believe he's won his last sixteen starts. And he's a lefty to boot. Last year he was 15-7 with an ERA of 4.45. He battles minor injuries and still has problems with his back every year but he's still won at least 11 games in 11 of past 12 seasons. He'll probably be traded at some point in spring training to avoid him becoming a headache.

Tim Wakefield: Every team wishes they could have a Tim Wakefield. One of the Red Sox most popular players Wakefield is also one of its most consistent. Wakefield has eight seasons of winning 10 or more games for the Red Sox in his career. Wakefield had one of best seasons going 16-12 with an ERA of 4.15 with 151 strikeouts. But stats aside Wakefield brings more the table then just numbers. He can start, pitch out of the bullpen, close or pitch long relief. Anything you need Wakefield's your guy. Throwing a knuckleball he come in and throw pitch after pitch and literally save your pitching staff. Always a favorite in the community and a perennial candidate for the Roberto Clemente award Wakefield last year signed a contract tieing him to Red Sox for as long as Wakefield wishes to pitch. And for only $ 4 million a year.

Matt Clement: There were two Matt Clements last year pre-All Star break and post-All Star break. Pre-All Star break he was 10-2 with an ERA of 3.85 with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 97:35. Post-All Star break he was 3-4 with an ERA of 5.72 and K/BB ratio of 49:33. Part of the problem no doubt was a horrific accident when Clement got hit in the head with a batted ball. Clement has always had serious stuff but while in the NL there were always rumors that he lacked the concentration to hold it together under pressure. It certainly appeared that way during the playoffs which may have caused the Red Sox to sour on him as they offered him up in various trade proposals this offseason. I think he makes an excellent fourth or fifth starter and as long you don't put in the front of the rotation I still think he could be successful.

Bronson Arroyo: Please don't hate but I have to admit this. I own a copy of his album Covering the Bases. I bet the Pirates wish they could have this one back. Like Tim Wakefield Arroyo was released by the Pirates, signed by the Red Sox and became a successful starting pitcher. Arroyo was thrown into some trade discussions this offseason before signing an under the market deal to stay with the Red Sox. Last year was his best season to date as he went 14-10 with an ERA of 4.52. Supposedly the Red Sox promised not to trade him, but they didn't actually give him a no trade clause so he may still get dealt. Arroyo could end up in the bullpen if everyone is healthy. Only 28 Arroyo offers the Red Sox pitching staff some much needed youth. Arroyo has a bit of a bull dog in him having hit a combined 34 batters the past two years.

I'll be back tomorrow to take a look at the Red Sox bullpen and front office.