Sox starters have unfinished business

The two free agent signees have been jettisoned, John Smoltz and Brad Penny returning to their comfort zone in the National League.

In their place, the Sox signed a nearly retired pitcher in Paul Byrd, who sat out the first two- thirds of the season. Tim Wakefield has battled problems with his back and legs, getting three cortisone shots, and is still without a confirmed date for his next start.

Junichi Tazawa has succeeded and failed as a starter, perhaps promoted too soon.

Daisuke Matsuzaka has spent more time in Fort Myers, Fla., than in Boston, and is only now making his return.

And then there’s Clay Buchholz, doing his best to turn down the anxiety, play up to his promise, and settle the nerves of those responsible for putting together a 1-2-3 playoff rotation good enough to compete with the other giants of the AL.

“It hasn’t been easy,’’ catcher Jason Varitek said. “That’s the truth. It hasn’t been easy. Somebody’s had bumps or there’s been different people in and out.

“We have had to endure a lot. But good teams always have to.’’

They haven’t always had to do so.

The five pitchers in the 2004 rotation made all but five starts that season, when the Sox won the World Series. That’s not the case this year, as the Sox have gotten at least three starts from nine pitchers.

Beckett and Lester have taken all their turns, each making 29 starts. They are followed by Penny (24), Wakefield (19), Buchholz (12), Matsuzaka (8), Smoltz (8), Tazawa (4), and Byrd (3).

Buchholz’s emergence has made it easier for everyone in the organization to take a deep breath and perhaps feel more confident going forward. Over his past four starts, in which the Sox are undefeated, Buchholz is 3-0 with a 1.59 ERA. He has held opponents to a .172 batting average, and is making good on lost time, as well as making up for some of the ineffectiveness of the other starters.

“I don’t think it should get in the way,’’ manager Terry Francona said, of the issues with the starters.