Bartolo Colon: Key to a Boston Red Sox Repeat in 2008?

Bartolo Colon was signed to a minor league deal by the Red Sox back in February.

At the time, this signing looked like a depth signing more than anything.  Now with injuries to several members of the starting rotation already, more and more attention is being paid to this “No risk-High Reward” signing. 

My question is this: Just how important is Colon to the Red Sox chances of repeating as world champs?

I's argue that he just might be the lynchpin. 

Reports out of Spring Training are raving about how he is finally healthy.  A report in the Boston Globe two days ago stated that he was again throwing around 95 mph.  His health is the main concern.  He has had elbow and shoulder problems the last two years that have reduced him to only 29 games in the last two years. 

Health is also the main concern of the starting rotation as a whole.  Josh Beckett is having back troubles, and did not make the trip to Japan.  You also have to keep in mind the blisters that have plagues Beckett in the past.  Jon Lester had forearm problems last year along with everything else that has happened.  Lester is also very young and unproven, even though he pitched a remarkable Game four in the World Series. 

Tim Wakefield is 41 years old and had shoulder issues that forced him off of the World Series roster last year.   Curt Schilling is more than likely done for the whole year (and perhaps his career) with the biceps injury.  Daisuke Matsuzaka is the only member of the projected starting five with no health concerns.

There are other internal options for the Sox, but they also have their own set of concerns.  I will examine these one by one...

Clay Buchholz

Had shoulder problems at the end of last year that forced him off the playoff roster.  Also, Buchholz has only pitched 22 innings in the major leagues.  He is likely the fifth starter—for now.

Kyle Snyder

A former first-round pick that has had many elbow problems in the past.  He has been a long reliever for the Sox for the last couple of years.  If thrust into the rotation, there are serious concerns that his health will not hold up. At best, a serviceable fifth starter.

Julian Tavarez

He is rubber armed, but loses effectiveness after the second time through the lineup.  Having him in the rotation would tax the bullpen early and often. At best, a serviceable fifth starter.

David Pauley

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