Felix Doubront Named Red Sox Fourth Starter, Daniel Bard Fifth

Felix Doubront told reporters this morning that he will start the season as the Red Sox’ fourth starter with his first start coming in the opening game of the Sox’ series in Toronto on April 9th.

As expected, Daniel Bard will start the next game as the Red Sox’ fifth starter. That puts Alfredo Aceves back in the bullpen where he had a great deal of success in 2011 and Aaron Cook will start the season in the minor leagues with an opt out clause for May 1.

Felix Doubront has had an impressive spring posting a 2.70 ERA in 16 2/3 innings in 3 starts. Daniel Bards numbers weren’t where he would have liked, but he has progressed nicely throughout the spring. His ERA for the spring is 6.57 in 24 2/3 innings but those numbers were inflated a bit by a relief outing in which Bard gave up 7 ER in 2 2/3 innings.

Felix Doubront had this to say about Bobby Valentines decision,

"It was awesome and it was the best news from the manager to say I have the first game in Toronto, For me, that’s what I’ve been looking forward to all spring and even when I started my offseason. To hear that news, it’s pretty amazing."

With this news you have to wonder what will happen with Aaron Cook. Bobby Valentine said Cook will start the season in the minor league system but he will be forced to make a decision by May 1 when Aaron Cook’s opt-out clause takes effect. If the Red Sox can’t find a place for him another team would be more than glad to sign him if he’s healthy at that point.

The last decision to be made is the 25th man on the roster, it was originally expected to be a position player but Valentine hinted to the possibility that it could be a pitcher after all. Either way that decision will come by Wednesday at the latest when teams are required to submit their rosters to the league office.