Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester takes aim at 17 wins.
(AP Photo/Steven Senne)
As the Boston Red Sox prepare to take on the New York Yankees again this evening, let us not forget that, their win yesterday notwithstanding, theirs is a long row to hoe.
This space the other day predicted a postseason appearance only if the club can win more than it loses against its division rivals from Gotham and Tampa Bay, so tonight’s tilt may well be one of those rare April contests that actually has long-term meaning.
Last week’s column broke down the Sox likely victory total by opponent; below, it is presented by starting pitcher. It says here that the leaders in the clubhouse will be Jon Lester and John Lackey with 17 wins apiece, with the total number to beat being 93. What say you?
| Pitcher | Wins | Starts | Thoughts |
| Beckett | 15 | 29 | occasionally dominant but still homer-prone |
| Lester | 17 | 30 | quiet confidence breeds sustained success |
| Lackey | 17 | 28 | solid, with some time off for good behavior |
| Wakefield | 10 | 28 | can't keep a good man down |
| Buchholtz | 6 | 14 | alternately inspires awe and exasperation; dealt at trading deadline for a professional hitter |
| Matsuzaka | 8 | 17 | inconsistent and, inevitably, injured |
| Others | 20 | 16 | Bonser, Bowden, and a cast of several |
| TOTAL | 93 | 162 |
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Comments
The numbers paint an interesting picture. I'd like t o see them posted in the pitchers' lockers ;-) If I had to chose to let someone go,I'd rather stick it out with Bucholtz and give him a chance to develop and take a pass on Matsuzaka. Wakefield is still fun to watch and I am hoping the others will settle into a solid season for all us fans. Time to beat the Yanks tonight!
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