Dice-K: Coming to a Rotation Near You

In what was perhaps the most anticipated class A start in recent memory, Dice-K threw 89 pitches over 6 2/3 innings for the Salem Red Sox earlier tonight against Winston-Salem....essentially a good division three college team. He gave up one earned run and a walk while striking out seven. While the competition is surely questionable, the significant amount of swings and misses, while commanding his strike zone is a key takeaway.

After providing the details of his start, NESN went on to report that it was called his last rehab appearance....so expect Dice-K to start in what will likely be a very meaningful game for the Sox....most likely a home game against the Halos early next week.

Maybe it's the time away, or perhaps it's just the utter shambles that is the current stat of the back end of the Sox rotation, but I for one am really excited for Dice-K's return. Stay tuned for a version of ITM throwing Dice-K under the bus if he gets shelled.

ITM note: how is this Ranger team still winning? Don't they know how much they're overachieving, and that on paper, they're just not that good?

We Might Have to Get Use to Paul Byrd

Boston got more than they expected out of Paul Byrd today in a 7-0 win over Toronto. The Sox were able to complete a sweep of the Jays at Fenway with what they thought would be a spot start from the 58 year old Byrd, however, recent news out of the organization indicates Red Sox Nation should get used to seeing Byrd and his old school windup every fifth day.

Tim Wakefield's back is treating him like the 43 year old he is. Reportedly, when getting out of bed yesterday morning, he was unable to stand completely erect....which sounds very similar to the lower back problems that forced him to the DL back in July. Wake will receive a cortisone shot and likely play it by ear. Don't be surprised to see another trip to the 15 day DL around the corner.

Wakefield's issues is somewhat expected of an over the hill major league ballplayer. Dice-K on the other hand, he might as well be throwing lefty. The terrible year that his 2009 season continued today. Daisuke Mastuzaka got shelled in a 49 pitch, five run first inning against Double A New Hampshire. He followed the rough first with a 1-2-3 second and totaled 58 pitches on the day.....yeah, that makes me feel a lot better. We all know that Double A team in New Hampshire has a powerful lineup and is just like pitching in meaningful (or even playoff games) at Fenway. The Red Sox have to be really concerned here, they've simply sunk too much time and too many dollars into a guy who has seemingly lost the ability to pitch effectively.

Today's Wasdin-like line from Dice-K comes as a bit of surprise. Prior to the start, all reports out of the organization indicated a revitalized and strengthened pitcher, a man rededicated to returning to form by getting himself in top physical condition to pitch. Now I'm not saying we should give up on Dice-K all together, but we should go into the stretch run and postseason assuming he'll be what he's been all year long, one hell of an expensive non factor.

Outside of that, you gotta be happy with the game today....Go Sox.