Disappointing outing by Keith Foulke

But Schilling and Papelbon both looked good in the season opener. Curt Schilling pitched 7 strong innings, giving up only 5 hits and 2 runs. I was surprised when he came back out in the 7th, though. Why push his pitch count this early in the season?

Papelbon had a nice 1-2-3 inning in the eighth, and I was glad to see Foulke come out in the ninth and get some work in. Yes, he allowed some big shots, but is he our closer or not? If he is, then he needs to get out there and pitch. I expect that he'll have a slow beginning, but he always has a slow beginning. Ask me again in June about how I feel about him.

Two years ago, Keith had a 2.17 ERA for the year. I'd say that was worth the chance of seeing what he can do after off season operations to his knees.

It was nice to see Lowell hit a HR, but I still don't expect much from the bottom of the order. Youkilis (or Snow), Lowell and Gonzalez went 3 for 12 yesterday in a good game for the Red Sox. I expect that's about as good as it's going to get for the 7-8-9 hitters this year.