If the Sox got hit with injuries....

[Soxfan1]

Do you think they'd ever promote Okajima to closer and begin to work out Paps a starter?

Just throwing this out there. I don't support it or go against this right now.

[Cocos Disciples]

I doubt they would switch Paps' role midseason. That could really mess with him to have literally no time to switch physically and mentally.

[Rdsxmbnt]

Zero chance of that happening

[Soxfan1]

All Star Break?

[TheKilo]

It would take longer than four days to stretch him out.

 

In other words, no.

[MANNYHOF24]

No.

[Sox Fan In Indy]

No. They'd either trade for a starter, or do what they did last year and use free agents and minor leaguers (Gabbard, Hansack, Pauley, etc.) Let's hope it doesn't come to this.

[BoSox21]

it would never happen. as it is, Lester is still in Pawtucket, Gabbard is a very serviceable pitcher, Hansack could be a spot starter and there's other ways of getting a starting pitcher than converting your closer

[a700hitter]

it would never happen. as it is' date=' Lester is still in Pawtucket, Gabbard is a very serviceable pitcher, Hansack could be a spot starter and there's other ways of getting a starting pitcher than converting your closer[/quote']If they suffered more than one injury to the top 4 in the rotation, they'd have to make a trade move to fill one of the spots if they wanted to remain competitive. While Lester has had some ML experience and he is certainly a highly regarded prospect, we don't have any other pitchers in the organization that show the aptitude to hold down a ML rotation spot.

[BoSox21]

probably, but they've shown in the past that they'll hold auditions for that starting spot by bringing in the Kyle Snyders and Jason Johnsons of the world