If there was a chip on Bronson's shoulder, it just got bigger. Arroyo's performance in Detroit is yet another file in the case for keeping him in the rotation. MLB.com says he "located a gem".

Although it must have hurt when the first hit allowed was a home run in the seventh.

Regardless, he was brilliant. I think Johnny Damon said it best, "He could be our No. 1." At this point in the season he is the No. 1. No offense, Matt Clement, but every fifth day you can count on Arroyo.

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe says Only thing that's baffling is Arroyo's stuff.

Arroyo pitched eight very strong innings - striking out eight, allowing three hits and walking one. The Red Sox are going to have to rethink the bullpen plan, at least until Arroyo gets a loss.

What are the Red Sox going to do? They have six legitimate starters (Arroyo, David Wells, Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, Clement and Wade Miller). Some may say that Miller is the odd man out. Well, this can not be. Miller has never pitched as a reliever. Does it make a difference? Yes it does.

A reliever typically doesn't need as much time to get ready to appear in a game while a starter needs time and lots of it. Heck some don't get comfortable until after the first inning or so.

That is why teams like to get their runs early in the game before the opposition's starter hits his stride. That was/is true of Pedro, Schilling and a slew of other good starters.

The only real option the Red Sox have is to send Tim Wakefield to the pen. Yes, he has been great (3-1; 2.97 ERA). However, Arroyo has been arguably better (4-0; 3.18 ERA).

No one can account for wins; so throw that stat out the window. In my mind the only true way to judge pitching talent is by using the WHIP factor (walks + hits divided by innings pitched). This year Arroyo's WHIP is 1.11, Wakefield's is 1.17. The difference isn't that great. However, last year, Wakefield's WHIP was 1.38, Arroyo's 1.22. For sure a bigger gap. And over the course of a year could amount in a lot more baserunners for Wakefield.

That's where the problem lies. When Wakefield has a man on first, team's are more apt to get that man in scoring position based on his slow delivery of the knuckleball. When it comes to Wakefield, everyone knows what the pitch is going to be, just not where it will end up.

Arroyo's control is impeccable. He can mix up more pitches using his slider, breaking stuff and albeit weak fastball. But compared to Wakefield's fastball, Arroyo's seems like its flying at 100 mph all the time.

So, again I find myself sending Wake to the pen as a brilliant set-up man. A decision has to happen soon because Sunday is Miller time, according to the Boston Herald.

Speaking of pen...ESPN reports that Boston fans will not be charged for scuffle with New York's Gary Sheffield. Apparently there wasn't enough evidence.

Not enough evidence? I guess all the game tape has been lost. Regardless, the decision is a sound one. While it is true that the whole thing was ugly, criminal charges may be a bit over-the-top.

I truly do not believe the fan was gunning for Sheffield's head. The hat yes, the head no. The other fan with a cup full of brew, give me a break. Let's not cry over spilled beer.

Gary Sheffield however should be indicted, he blatantly attacked a fan.

I guess being swept by the Devil Rays and finding yourself looking up at the rest of the league is punishment enough. The New York Post uses all kinds of words to describe how bad the boys in the $200-million pinstripes are.

And I agree for now; it's early.

Reader comments: What should the Red Sox due with their starting rotation once all the starters are healthy?

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