In Reply To #5 Dippy, I agree. But... knowing how Schilling can be, I wouldn't count him out for opening day. Actually I would be surprised if he didn't pitch, healthy or not (and if he isn't it could be really bad for Boston). Pitchers and catchers report soon!!! Ohhhh what a great time of the year. Hell, if Schill can't go, it will probably be Boomer Wells and I can see that being quite entertaining as well!

ALright, here we go... I don't want Wells pitching openning day. I now I should embrace him as he is a quality pitcher but I am torn right now. While he seems to fit in with our wack pack of a WOrld Champion team(emphasis on WOrld and Champion)I am still uneasy. Maybe it is just the fact that he is an ex-yank, but also his admition of being half drunk on the mound during games also makes me unsure about him. I would rather see Wake out there as he is a great pitcher and the consomate Red Sox player ( of course then V-tech wouldn't play openning day which is sad, but Mirrabelli has to earn the 2 mil we are paying him). I think we should see how The Big Schill is doing this spring. We can't afford to have him re-hurt himself. If given the choice I am sure he would play hurt or not, but the decision has to be made for the season not just one game. Slow and steady wins the world series.

I'd start Clement before Wake....but I see your point. I mean, hasn't Wells openly admitted he hates Boston in the past? I watched him when I lived in TO and I really dis-liked the guy. Tough to go from hating a guy to embacing him in one off-season, but that's the era we live in.

Hey I like Clement. I think he is young and a strong pitcher who would have a much better record if he got any damn run support. Luckily that is the sox's strong point. But for openning day you want to have one of the World Champions on the mound. oh and by the way...The Red Sox won the World Series.

Ya, but Boomer over Wake. Wake's just as likely to get lit up as he is to pitch a gem. In all likelyhood it will be Wells if it's not Schilling. Personally I'd go with Clement, but Boomer's a bigger name. Also, Wake might not even crack the rotation this year. Wade Miller, Boomer, Schill, Clement Arroyo....no room for Wake. That makes hima long relief/spot starter/spot closer/whatever they need which is really where he's best.

All good points. "Tough to go from hating a guy to embacing him in one off-season, but that's the era we live in." Funny how a uniform can change one's opinion of a player :) I love the Sox rotation and pitching staff all together. With each passing day it looks more and more likely that Schilling will be ready. And as far is it being up to Francona? Nah... it's up to Schill, who's kidding who. Maybe if the doctors step in then they would have the final call. But as it is now I'd be surprised if Schill isn't on the mound opening day. Also, assuming Schilling is ready, I bet they put Wade Miller on the DL to start the year. He opted for rest over surgery on that shoulder and he's not all the way back. If Schilling's ok, then I bet they DL Wade for a little bit and go with Schill, Wells, Clement, Arroyo, Wake. Boomer's a gamer and as long as his back holds up then he's going to be a very good signing. A true big game pitcher. Now, don't get me wrong, I hated him when he was in NY but there's no denying his success. And as far as him being a drunk, so what. Like he's the only one... He's just one of the only one's who's willing to admit it.

Well obviously we all like to drink, just what site are we posting on? But you shouldn't drink on the job. It is not responsible. He is supposed to be a role model. I know alot of people don't buy into that crap but it is true, they are looked up to and they should set a good example. The more we talk about this the less I am liking Wells. He is a good pitcher but too much baggage. He is an old, fat, egotistical fuck. I would rather have Lowe, and I have always thought Lowe sucks. Oh and I think that Wake is excellent in middle relief, that is where he makes the most sense. Well.. I just hope that all goes according to plan and we win the next ten titles.

In Reply To #12 Well dippy, you may rather have Lowe but would you rather have him for 4 years $36 million opposed to Wells at 2 yr/$8 mil.? I doubt it. I personally don't care how much beer he drinks as long as he performs and stays healthy. How often has he drank on the job? He's notorious for going out late and getting plastered, but honestly, that's on his own time. And... I don't think it matters if he's old and fat. And find me a major leaguer who ISN'T an egotistical fuck

Schill is both old and fat but confident, not an ego freak. I don't know, Wells is a good pitcher and it is possible he was just being an ass because he was surrounded by assholes as a yankee. I am curious to see how he fits into our team. I know that we have a few drinkers on our team as well.

In Reply To #14 All teams have their fair share of boozers... just some don't care to hide it. From what I hear, we did get rid of quite the drinker in Derek Lowe. Just a rumor though. I agree Wells does have an edge that most may not like but if he's an asshole as a Red Sox to the Yankees and their fans I'll be the first to embrace him. And from what he's said so far I think he's going to be like that.