With one week of the season completed, the Sox now have a respectable 4-2 record and they have had a chance to win all 6 games. This team has displayed excellent pitching and the offense picked it up with a return to friendly Fenway. I'd like to offer some observations on the 25 man roster as well as manager Jimy Williams.

First a look at the pitching: Thankfully, Jimy made the early decision to get Arrojo out of the rotation and Ohka moved into that spot in the rotation. With Cone unable to throw, the final spot was taken by Paxton Crawford and this may end up being a huge blessing if his first start is any indication. We will see what Crawford is made of when he opens the series vs. the Yankees.

Pedro Martinez: Based on the early returns, Pedro might even improve upon last year as hard as that may seem. Jimy and Joe have pledged to let Pedro go every fifth game this season (rather than every fifth day) and hopefully, he won't need a trip to the DL this year.

Hideo Nomo: I have always liked this guy (I seem to love guys with crazy motions to the plate (Tiant and Boddicker come to mind), and I felt that an ERA closer to his career ERA (3.97) and he could win 15 games. Hideo became an early fan favorite with his spectacular no-hit debut and I expect to see Fenway rocking with K cards when he takes the mound at home. I also think that he will help Ohka tremendously.

Paxton Crawford: I didn't really see him pitch last season and I did not realize how big he was. He would not be on the team if Cone had been able to pitch, but thankfully he is. If he keeps it up like his first start, he won't be going anywhere. His next start will be a major test as he opposes the Yankees to open the series.

Frank Castillo: This guy has posted some surprisingly good numbers from 91-95 (3.86 ERA) and in 2000 (3.49 ERA) and is off to a good start. He should be a valuable 4th or 5th starter.

Tim Wakefield: Tim was a bit upset when he was moved back to the bullpen, but he has since realized his value to this team and he will continue as an unsung hero for this team. Essentially, the 3 pitchers (Nomo, Castillo, and Wakefield) that the Sox obtained after watching Mussina sign with the Yankees have posted these stats so far: 2-0, 17.1 IP, 7 H, 6 BB, 19 K, 1.04 ERA) Who needs Mussina anyhow?

Rod Beck: I was surprised when the Sox picked up Beck's option in the offseason, but it sure has paid off. Beck showed up for camp in great shape and has looked fantastic. I liked it when the Sox traded for the guy in 99 and I never let 1 bad pitch cloud my judgment about this guy. He is a huge key to the pen this season.

Derek Lowe: Derek got off to a tough start in Baltimore, but he will bounce back. An easy save of Pedro's gem on Sunday has him pointed in the right direction.

David Cone: I was high on Cone in Spring Training, but I thought that the experiment would come to an end after he experienced shoulder pain and could not pitch anymore. In a hugely suprising move, the Sox disabled him and kept his $2 million contract. If Ohka and Crawford both pitch well and Sabes can return, I don't see a spot for Cone. I'll be surprised if he pitches for the Sox this season.

Bret Saberhagen: He continues to progress and it looks like a return by May is likely at this time. Who he would replace in the rotation remains a mystery, but I think that things will sort themselves out by the time of his return. Pedro and Nomo look like the 2 sure bets to remain in the rotation. If everyone is pitching well, the Sox will have an interesting dilemma.

Pete Schourek: I was surprised by how well Pete pitched in Spring Training and he deserved to make the team. When healthy he has been a good pitcher and I don't think that anyone can question his heart. I hope that his arm can hold out. This is one guy that I was glad to be wrong about.

Tomo Ohka: Ohka did a good job in his first start and recovered nicely from a rough 1st inning. He and Crawford look to be the Sox' best pitching prospects since Aaron Sele.

It has been very pleasing to see the Sox pitching staff make the media look like fools so far. With Nomar out till July at least, their role has increased in importance and so far the staff has delivered.

Now for a look at the position players:

Mike Lansing: I'm actually going to offer an apology to this guy. Granted, he does have a contract that is an eyesore, but maybe injuries did really hamper him in 2000. If he flops, then so be it, but I vow to not pick on the guy again. Clearly, he puts out an effort and has gotten off to a surprisingly decent start.

Jose Offerman: Jose has responded to Jimy's challenge and has played excellent ball since returning to the lineup. It looks to me that he has earned his job back, at least for now. Clearly, this team has a much better offense when he is playing well and let's hope that he can keep it up.

Shea Hillenbrand: His good hitting has continued into the season and he has started his career with a 6 game hitting streak. So far he has really done a great job. I hope that he can continue.

Chris Stynes: A pulled hamstring slowed him after 2 games, but he will still be a valuable contributor (especially vs. lefties) when he returns. He should also give Offerman plenty of incentive to play well.

Manny Ramirez: Manny has done exactly what he hoped that he would do, drive in runs. When his hamstring is 100% healthy, I hope that he does not balk at playing DH if that turns out to be best for the team (if O'Leary and Nixon are both playing well). Watching him work opposing pitchers has been enjoyable and his patient approach is a needed tonic for this line-up.

Carl Everett: I still don't trust the guy not to blow up, but since it would appear that he won't be going anywhere, I will leave him alone. Just three words for Carl, FOCUS ON BASEBALL.

Trot Nixon: I still don't get how Jimy plans to use him if Manny returns to the field. Frankly, I think that the best lineup for the Sox is Troy in left, Everett in center, and Trot in right with Manny at DH. I think that he hits lefties okay but elite lefties still overpower him. Let's hope that Jimy keeps finding playing time for the guy, even if it is at Dante Bichette's expense.

Troy O'Leary: Troy has gotten off to an awful 0-16 start, but don't count him out. I still see no pressing need to move him and I see plenty of playing time for him and Nixon. I predict that he has a real good week vs. Baltimore and NY. Watching an OF of Troy, Everett, and Nixon with Manny DHing may be the best bet vs. righties.

Dante Bichette: I still feel that Bichette will help and I do think that he can help vs. righties as well, but clearly, the Sox have much better defense with Trot in right and Manny DHing. I think that Jimy can find a decent balance in his use of Nixon, O'Leary, and Bichette, but his initial decision to platoon Hatteberg and Bichette at DH (scrapped due to Manny's hammy) still puzzles me, especially with Troy and Trot both still here.

Brian Daubach: Aside from his 2 HR in Nomo's start, Daubach has gotten off to a slow start and appears to be limping a little due to his toe. Thankfully his defense at first has been good. I look for him to break out this week.

Darren Lewis: I thought that it was a disgrace to hear him get booed on Opening Day. Yes, he had a rough first game, but would Bichette have been booed if he had done the same thing? DLew has filled in for Troy for the last 2 games, but I expect him to return to his backup role by Tuesday. Don't be surprised if the Sox Outfield vs. Pettitte is Bichette in left, Everett in center, Lewis in right with Manny at DH with Trot and Troy coming off the bench.

Craig Grebeck: I still don't get why the Sox took this guy, especially with Lansing a lock for the roster. I still think that Lou could do the job at short. I like Grebeck, but not $500,000 more than Merloni.

Jason Varitek: Tek has gotten off to a very slow start at the plate and I hope that Jimy gives him some rest in the NY series (vs. Hernandez or Clemen$). Glad to see him sign a multi year deal. It would be nice to see him break out this week as well.

Scott Hatteberg: He looked good in his first start on Saturday and provides a perfect backup to Varitek. I'd like to see Jimy give him a game at 1B in the near future (how about vs. Rogah?) as Daubach really struggles vs. Clemen$$$. I'm not so sure that the DH idea will ever pan out.

Finally, a few comments about Jimy Williams. I know that his lineup changes and insistence on using all 25 guys may infuriate some people, but I really like that about him. Maybe some of you want to see the same 9 guys and a bench that never plays, but I saw enough of that with Ralph Houk here. Guys like Hatteberg, O'Leary, Lewis, Bichette, and Offerman will all get their chances and it keeps every player sharp and makes them feel a real part of the team. Jimy will make a move from time to time that I disagree with, but overall his moves tend to work and he does a masterful job deciding when to take a pitcher out of a game. Sadly, many fans won't realize what a good manager that he is until after he is gone. They will have a new manger to "blame" and they will be happy.

SRYD out