For all the concerns over Julian Tavares, who pitches tonight, along with the buzz over Kason Gabbard and Clay Buchholz, and the continued hope for Jon Lester, the Boston Red Sox rotation is pretty well set.

Of course, that is assuming Curt Schilling comes back healthy and strong.

Look at the potential playoff rotation (yes, I know, the Yankees are 8 games back and yes, the Red Sox could blow the lead. But if Boston falters it will not be because of needing a dependable fifth starter): Beckett, Dice-K, Schilling and Wakefield. The first guy out of the pen in a long role will be Tavares (which may mean Kyle Snyder is out).

Could that change? Chances are slim and none. But here are those slim chances: ONE - If Schilling is dreadful (Even if he is below average, the Red Sox are going to want him in the post-season) ... TWO. Injury. THREE. Wakefield becomes completely ineffective. FOUR. Gabbard becomes so dominant that the Red Sox cannot ignore him.

Speaking of the playoff run, it does not look like there is going to be a big trade by the Sox. A big trade is not needed. Maybe a tweak or two ... If the Royals are willing to trade anyone, forget about reliever Octavio Dotel. Did you see Joakim Soria last night? (1 1/3 innings, no hits, 3 strikeouts). Soria, 23, is from Mexico and has a 2.04 ERA. Hmm.

In Pawucket, pitcher David Pauley gave up 5 earned run in 6 innings. He carries 3.99 ERA and seems to have fallen to the bottom of the list of possible pitching call-ups to Boston ... In Pawtucket last night, Jacoby Ellsbury hit his fifth triple. He has a .275 average. David Murphy (2-for-4) is at .281. And Brandon Moss (1-for-4) carries a .302 average.

In advanced Class A Lancaster, infielder Tony Granadillo (.345) went 4-for-4 last night.

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