Decisions Coming

As the Sox get ready to enter the stretch run of the 2013 season, there are several decisions to be made in the coming weeks. If Clay Buchholz returns in 2 weeks, who drops out of the rotation? Maybe it's Ryan Dempster or Felix Doubront. But don't count on Buck just yet as his every step forward seems to encounter a step backwards. What about Xander Bogaerts? If Stephen Drew goes down, it appears that Xander Bogaerts is the next man up. At only 20 years old Bogaerts is still learning to be a big leaguer & the Sox do not want to rush him up unless there is a need. What about David Ross' rehab? If Ross clears his head from concussion symptoms, does Ryan Lavarnway go back down? You would think so, but Lavarnway has been contributing to the offense lately & he seems more comfortable behind the plate. What about Jackie Bradley Jr.? The Sox have a crowded outfield with Ells, Victorino, Nava, Gomes & Carp. It doesn't appear that there is a place for JBJ right now. And finally, what about Mike Napoli & his strikeouts? Only Mark Bellhorn had more strikeouts in a season & Napoli is well on his way to surpassing Bellhorn's record. Nap is putting in extra work, but he better find his grove soon. 14 home runs versus 200 K's won't get him another contract in 2014. Should be an exciting 6 weeks until the end of game 162.