Since The Curt has not updated his own blog for a week (a trend that can't continue), we'll keep up our Schilling focus.

The last blog had a comment (thank you, Roland) on Schilling, declaring him a has-been. Roland also said that Boston should trade Schilling, like it traded David Wells last year.

Let's think about that.

I never considered Schilling the No. 1 starter in 2007. I think No. 3 is more accurate. And the Red Sox did the right thing in not extending his contract beyond this year.

That said, the big fella is good to have around. He is a big-game pitcher and, come October, those guys are nice to depend on. If the Sox were going to the playoffs last year, they would not have dumped Wells.

Can you depend on Schilling for solid performances throughout the year? No. And the stint on the DL is a good thing. There is obviously something wrong with him, with that much drop in velocity.

Schilling's DL time will give someone from Pawtucket a chance (since Julian Tavarez is making a strong case to stay in the rotation). The sentimental choice is Jon Lester, especially with Boston playing in Lester's home state, Washington, next week.

But Lester may need more fine tuning. His start on Wednesday (5 innings, 5 hits, 4 walks, 3 runs, 3 strikeouts) was not sharp. Kason Gabbard pitches today for Pawtucket. A decent to strong showing likely earns him a second trip to the majors this season.

Sure is nice to have pitching depth. Remember in 2004 when the Red Sox needed a spot start? No one in Pawtucket was considered, so Portland's Abe Alvarez got the start.

Now Pawtucket has a number of options for Boston. And there are more developing (Clay Buchholz lowered his ERA to 1.82 for the Sea Dogs with five innings of shutout ball Wednesday).

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