Sox Springtime Decision Time

Hello there. There were some notable team moves yesterday. The Courant article is linked when you title click. First up....Craig Hansen. From the Herald.......

"The fact that Hansen is just not ready for the major leagues finally sunk in for both the Red Sox and the young reliever, who was sent off to Triple-A Pawtucket yesterday.
You get the feeling that the next time Hansen appears for the major league team, it will be because this time he will be truly ready to pitch there."

Peter here, and yes, I agree. The guy has all the tools. He needs experience. There's no hurry. He's young, and he's been in the big leagues for less than two years.
Next, little Manny Delcarmen, Kyle Snyder and lefty Javier Lopez. From the Courant......

"Right-handed reliever Manny Delcarmen was optioned to Triple A Pawtucket, clearing way for righthander Kyle Snyder and lefty Javier Lopez to claim the final two spots on Francona's 12-man pitching staff.
Snyder, 29, was the feel-good story of the staff this spring. The 6-foot-8 righthander, picked up off waivers last season from the Royals after an injury-filled career, had no minor league options.
Still, his ability to start and relieve - and an injury that will put Mike Timlin on the disabled list to open the season - gave Snyder the opening to make the team.
"Just knowing where I'm going, it's a big sense of relief," said Snyder, who has a 2.53 ERA in six spring training appearances, including three starts."

Me again. Kyle will be beneficial whether he enters the game for long relief or for the 7th or 8th inning set-up roles. Frankly, my faith in him is high, even more so than for Mike Timlin. But that's just the way I feel now. We will all know so much more in three weeks or so. So Kyle, we know you can start. And you're a truly nice guy, and someone who I believe will thrive in 2007. So, best of luck!!
Lastly, our Jon Lester, again from the Courant....

"Righthander Jon Lester, who was declared cancer-free in December, will begin the season on the disabled list and will make four rehab starts with Class A Greenville (S.C.), pitching for rookie manager Gabe Kapler.
Lester, who pitched three innings in a minor league game Monday, will make one more start in Florida before heading to Greenville. His final start for the Drive is expected to come in late April.
Lester, 23, a lefthander, underwent six chemotherapy after being diagnosed with anaplasic large cell lymphoma in August.
"He'll progressively ramp up his pitch count and endurance," Francona said. "We want to get him out of Florida, get him into a game-type situation, but we can still monitor him before we take off the guard and turn him loose."

Peter here. Jon, you know we're all behind you with our hearts and our souls. And it's the end of April, the time when the final big moves by the big club are made. No surprises, either. The roster is set. 2007 awaits. And with that, all of our hopes and dreams will be realized, or dashed.
Monday, in Kansas City, our ace Curt Schilling will be on the mound. Paps will be ready for the ninth. And RSN? You and me? We'll be watching, or listening. And I'm ready. Are you? I'd love to read your comments. And thanks. GO SOX!!!