Just a quick blog as I head to Pawtucket today ... There are certainly some nervous folks in Red Sox Nation today, as the Yankees close to seven games.

Maybe if the Pinstripers get closer, Theo Epstein will have to look harder at a deadline deal. But I don't see him making a panic deal.

A change is obviously needed with the No. 5 starter. After all the fuss I made yesterday about the non-importance of the No. 5 starter, Julian Tavares did not pitch far into the game for the fifth straight start.

After going seven innings for two straight starts, Tavares has not reached the sixth inning in his last five efforts.

I think one hesitation in moving Tavares into the bullpen is that it would likely mean moving a current reliever (by release or trade). It does not look like Manny Delcarmen or Javier Lopez are going anywhere, and they are the only ones with options to the minors. Once Tavares goes to the bullpen, someone has to go (Snyder?).

It might be nice to think that Jon Lester can move into the rotation, but I get the feeling that the Red Sox want him stronger. He went seven innings yesterday, which is a good sign.

Maybe the Red Sox hope that Tavres can give a few more decent outings before Schiling comes back.

But if that leads keeps fading ...

E-mail this entry to a friend