The Sox nonetheless went into the All-Star break in first place in the American League East, the third straight season they've reached this mid summer junction ahead of the pack. The difference this time is that their lead is 10 games over the Yankees and Blue Jays, the largest of any division leader.
"You'd rather not go into the break being swept," said Schilling, who plans to be at Fenway Park Wednesday to throw. "But this is a good team, and everyone in here understands that."
The Sox have one starting pitcher, Josh Beckett, who is a finalist to start the All-Star Game tomorrow night in San Francisco. They have another, Matsuzaka, who is a 10-game winner, the most wins ever by a Sox rookie at the break. But you don't have to look far to find people who contend that Schilling, who has been on the disabled list retroactive to June 19 and may not be back until the first of August, will play a significant role in how the Sox will play in the second half, or whether they will make a move for another starting pitcher.
"I feel that way, too," Schilling said. "It depends on what's out there. If they think there's someone out there who will make us better for October, they'll do it. But I'm coming along. Regaining strength is just part of it. I have to do things to take care of my arm that I've never had to do before, and we're addressing that."
Mark Buehrle, one pitcher in whom the Sox had expressed considerable interest, reached agreement on an extension with the White Sox yesterday, and it's doubtful there will be another starting pitcher available at the break with as attractive a pedigree. But even if the Marlins, say, dangle Dontrelle Willis, the Sox have let it be known they will not part with their best prospects, two of whom, center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury and pitcher Clay Buchholz, played yesterday in the All-Star Futures Game.
