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It should be mentioned that Boston does rank a paltry ninth in the AL in bullpen ERA. However, they're obviously winning in spite of that weakness, and they certainly have the resources and the organizational will to make improvements leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
If the need is there, GM Theo Epstein and company will get something done, as they have so often in the past. As well, the guy who's pitching the most high-leverage innings closer Jonathan Papelbon is a genuine dominator.
Boston should be fine. The rotation remains a strength; the defense is sound; the offense is strong; David Ortiz is working his way back; the bench is among the best in baseball; J.D. Drew, Manny Ramirez, Kevin Youkilis, and Mike Lowell are all raking; and the bullpen, while flawed, isn't beyond repair. That's to say nothing of Terry Francona's steady hand and a front office that's the best in baseball.
So Boston will make the postseason, and they'll probably go in as favorites to repeat as World Series champs. The loss of Schilling did nothing to change that.
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