5th Spot In Rotaion Still Up In Arms

Pitchers and catchers will report to spring training in a week and there are still a few questions about the starting rotation. However, there is no uncertainty with the first three starting spots: locked up by Mark Buehrle, John Danks, and Gavin Floyd. The last two spots in the rotation have some questions marks. Bartolo Colon will most likely fill the 4th spot until the return of Jose Contrares. This leaves the 5th spot wide open to Aaron Peroda, Clayton Richard, Jeff Marquez, or Lance Broadway.

The fifth spot could possibly be filled be each of these pitchers during the season. However, one will get the starting role entering the season. Clayton Richard and Jeff Marquez seem to be the two front runners for the spot. Peroda and Broadway might pitch in the bullpen in the beginning of the season. The sox will need a good number of wins from the 5th spot to return to the playoffs this year. Both Richard and Marquez have the stuff to be a productive starters for the sox. Manager Kenny Williams seems to Marquez to start. But many sox fans remember the stuff Richard had in the playoffs against Tampa Bay last year; giving up only 5 hits in 6 innings. This performance makes me think Richard will get starter job over Marquez. His performance in the fifth role will be important for the sox to win games this year. For another opinion visit here.