Of Tim Wakefield And Keith Foulke, And All Hallow's Eve

The Red Sox have picked up their $4 million dollar option on veteran pitcher Tim Wakefield. Timmy slips into the number four position in the rotation. Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, Jonathon Papelbon and Wakes. And of course number five is to be determined. The Sox had trouble when Wakes was hurt last year. He has proven to be an inning eater, something the Red Sox so desperately need. At best a little better than a .500 pitcher, he has been plagued by the lack of runs scored for him when he's on the mound. Let's hope that changes next year. He has been quoted as saying that he is in good shape, healthy and ready. And his off-season conditioning program will ensure that. Way to go Wakes. We need you!
And now for Keith Foulke. The club will decide what to do with him between now and November 8th. Either the Sox will pick up a $7.5 million dollar option or a $1.5 million dollar buy out. He could be the set-up man for the unknown closer. Or he could be a worthless injured person on the pitching roster. We have to hope the club can make an educated guess as to which will come to pass. I say good luck doing that, Sox front office. But of course I wish him the best. A healthy Foulkie, changing speeds and hitting his spots, would be invaluable. Utterly invaluable. And so it goes, Tuesday Oct. 31st. Happy Halloween...be safe.