From the Desk of Brother Bartles: on pitching

Well I think we are about a 1/2 game out of first place at first pitch tonight.

A few notable notes from Brother Bartles:

Our young pitching: Has vastly surprised nobody. We knew Lester was going to be a big time pitcher when he started off 4-0 in mid-'06, he just had a few bumps in the road. Bucholtz looks to have more potential than even Lester! Only problem is that he doesn't seem as durable. Oh, we should mention Papelbon, he's been around since mid-'05 and been getting paid less than a million a year to be our lights out man, he's completely taken for granted. Delcarmen has been steady in the bullpen. And lastly Masterson looks to be a top 3 starter someday, he's just so good you hardly notice he isn't giving up any runs.

As for the older guys: Wakefield, jeez I feel like one day i'll bring my first born to see him pitch and this hypothetical kid hasn't even been born yet. Schill, who cares really...just retire dude but really thanks for the memories...you're the man...now go away. BARTOLO COLON! former cy young winner, signed to a minor league contract during spring training. That was a Cashman-like signing if there ever was one. Timlin, every time we say he's done there he is in the playoffs killing innings.

Prime years pitchers: Beckett, god, I hope we re-sign but he is going to make a disgusting amount of money if he stays healthy. Dice-K, what's he like 8-0 and on the DL? I'll take that...he hasn't been the force of nature we thought he would be, but he hasn't exactly struggled either.

not mentioned: craig hansen (horseshit), javier lopez (good young lefty reliver), david aardsma (who throws 100mph!) hideki okajima (anyone seen this guy lately?)