What are your thoughts on Erik Bedard?
–Thomas, Nashville
Well there is no doubt that he is a talented pitcher, and Red Sox Nation knows this very well from watching him start games in Baltimore from 2004-2007. His major health issues and amazing amount of visits to the DL seemed to plague him in Seattle, and he really was not well-received by either Orioles fans or Mariners fans. I think most of his issues appear to be with the media because, by all accounts, he does not like the media side of the game. To me, that really does not matter. While it would be great if he liked doing interviews and news conferences, in the end, what matters is how he performs. If he thought the media in Baltimore and Seattle was a problem, this may be a really eye-opening experience. There have been many guys who did not realize how big a deal this is until they got here. His first few outings will tell us a lot.
Is John Lackey no longer the third starter now with the arrival of Bedard?
–Carl, Boston
I view this as a competition now through the remainder of the season. I think whoever performs the best in the remaining games will get the nod in Game 3 of the division series. Matchups versus the opponent in the first round will also dictate who gets the start. I sort of feel that, despite what we have seen from Lackey for the most part, he has been a good big-game pitcher in the past with the Angels, and perhaps that setting could elevate his performance. I do think the Bedard move was necessary with what we now know about Clay Buchholz. The Game 3 start is up for grabs.
Why did the Red Sox lie about Clay Buchholz’s injury?
–Laurie, Worcester, Mass.
Well, I am not sure they flat-out lied. Did they tell the whole truth? Perhaps not. I think first and foremost, they thought rest and time could help this situation. When it was clear that this was not going to get better, they seeked further opinions and now here we are. Secondly, there is no doubt that from a trading standpoint, having the world know you need to get a starter at the deadline makes trading more costly and harder to do. So not providing the situation in vivid detail may buy you some time and not put you at a disadvantage at the trading table. No doubt, though, the injury is a big blow to the Sox.
What is the status of Jed Lowrie?
–Trip, Denver
He is currently rehabbing with the Pawtucket Red Sox and may be back very soon. I think he could be a huge help here down the stretch. If he could go on a run like did to begin the season, this lineup just extends even more. I think his health has really been a detriment to his development. He won the job early this season, and then got hurt again. He is very good when healthy. Maybe he can finish the year healthy, which is all that matters.
How do you rate the job by Tim Bogar as third base coach?
–Gregg, Agawam, Mass.
I always judge that on how much I have to say a third base coaches name, and I don't think I have had to much, if at all. So that must mean he has been great. At the end of previous years, I realized I never mentioned DeMarlo Hale, and it was a sign that there were no bad decisions, which is amazing over 162-game marathon. As good of a job as he has done at third, I believe he is great at managing players. He understands people well and would be ideal for today's player in the majors. He could be the next Terry Francona coach to become an opposing manager.
