Some thoughts, as the Fort Myers training facility starts to get busy.

When the Sox signed Curt Schilling, it was called a good gamble because the base pay was only $8-million (I can't believe I just wrote ONLY), and Schilling is certainly a gamer in the post-season.

But it still was a gamble, and the Sox lost this one.

This is not 2005 when Schilling was supposed to be the ace and he was hurt.

Before Schilling's shoulder news, the "concern" was having to send Clay Buchholz to the minors because Boston had six starters. Now the "concern" is that Boston does not have enough starting pitching depth.

I guess there always has to be a concern.

If another starter is needed, Julian Tavarez has shown he can fill in temporarily. David Pauley, too. Maybe Devern Hansack. Kyle Snyder is a possibility, but the Sox seem to have him pegged only as a reliever.

Still, it sounds like there is depth ... especially when you compare it to other staffs in the majors.

Had a reader call to object to part of my Sunday story on the Sox, which stated that everyone loves Jason Varitek. He predicts that Varitek's offensive output will dip considerably.

Even if the average is low, you can still love the guy.

I just wish Boston had a better backup catcher to give Varitek more of a break.

Kevin Youkilis at $3-million. Good deal.

I'm sure Justin Masterson wants a promotion to Triple-A, but it would be nice to see him pitch for the Sea Dogs for at least one more month.

With this weather, and more shoveling due later in the week, it will be good to see ANYONE pitch. Because of the Red Sox run, this has been a short off-season. But it cannot get here fast enough.

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