Doubront and Bard Round Out Rotation; Bailey Causes Consern

We are under a week until Opening Day and the rotation is finally set. Bobby Valentine announced that the final two spots in the rotation will go to lefty Felix Doubront and righty Daniel Bard.

"That's for me what i was looking for all spring," Doubront said. "Even when I start my offseason, to hear that news. That's pretty amazing."

The Red Sox really didn't have an other option but to place Doubront on the team. Reason being his he is out of minor league options and if they didn't keep him they would have most likely lost him on the waiver wire. Doubront pitched a nice spring pitching 16.2 innings in three starts and four appearances. Doubront has a  2.70 ERA and has gave up 18 hits and five runs. Doubront also it brings a second lefty to the rotation.

Line Ups for Split Squad 3/24

The Red Sox will be taking two different fields today in two split squad games. One half of the team will be at JetBlue Park taking on the Phillies. While the other half is in Jupiter taking on the Marlins. The Red Sox look to be testing out two pitchers for a spot in the rotation in Felix Doubront and Alfredo Aceves.

Doubront is out of options and if he does not make the team he will have to clear waivers for the Red Sox to put him in Pawtucket. Doubront has had a good spring and overall is a great prospect. According to SoxProspects.com he is the 13th best player in the system and many believe he is ready for the big league.

Aceves on the other hand is competing for a role as a starter. Aceves was the go to guy in 2011. He was the long reliever and a spot starter. Aceves made 55 appearances with four starts and a record of 10-2 with a 2.61 ERA. Aceves is already stretched to be a starter he pitched 114 innings last year alone. The only question is if he becomes a starter who will play the roll as long reliever when he is not there to do it.

Line Ups at Marlins


Iglesias SS
Ciriaco SS
Ross LF
Ortiz DH
Lavarnway C
Sweeney RF
Repko CF
Anderson 1B
Spears 3B

Pitching:

Doubront SP

Mathis

Thomas

Mortensen

Line Ups vs Phillies

Ellsbury CF

Pedroia 2B

Youkilis 3B

Gonzalez 1B

McDonald RF

Saltalamacchia

Aviles SS

Punto DH

Kroeger LF

Pitching:

Aceves SP

Morales

Bailey

Padillia

Bowden