Three into two does go

So we have a developing 'sitch' where the Red Sox rotation has hit a little bump in the road. It isn't exactly 'Beckett, Matsuzaka and pray for rain', yet, but it is gently heading in that direction. Three elements to the solution. Pay attention. Schilling, Gabbard and Tavarez.

This big lugs return will have a beneficial knock on effect to Boston's pitching staff

Curt Schilling is progressing well through rehab and expects to be back in two more turns of the rotation. When that happens, if the Red Sox slide Schilling back into his slot, move Tavarez into the right-hand-setup-man role (along with feisty young buck Manny Delcarmen) and pop Kason Gabbard into the 5th spot in the rotation, well, hey presto.

That's Schilling, Matsuzaka, Backett, Wakefield and Gabbard. Not bad. It actually strengthens the Boston bullpen too. 'How so?' I hear you ask. Easy. Tavarez has pitched well for the Sox, what is most noticeable is that he steamrolls through a few innings before hitting a wall. He is right on the cusp of being a good starter but just runs out of gas in the 4th or 5th innings, generally. So, an effective 1-2 inning right hander out of the pen, there you go, no trade needed.

It's all so logical and yet all so simple. Three into two does go.