Too Early To Worry

I have to keep reminding myself that it's far too soon to panic. I mean, sure, Phil Coke (a supposed lefty specialist) came in on Opening Day and immediately gave up a homer to the lefty Curtis Granderson, taking the loss in the process. Sure, Jon Lester gave up a homer to the first batter he faced in the Sox season opener, then two more for good measure. No cause for alarm, right?

Right.

Coke is as untrustworthy as any relief pitcher, though I'm really curious now to see how he handles a rotation gig. And Jon Lester is a perennially slow starter, with a career April ERA of 4.79, over a run higher than his career 3.58 number.

Still, it's not hard to start feeling a little panic about this squad. So when I got this trade offer on Friday, I gave it some serious consideration:

Slim Jim gets:
Adam Dunn - 1B - CWS

Chin Music gets:
David Ortiz - DH - BOS
Frank Francisco (DL) - RP - TOR
Jon Rauch - RP - TOR

I've got some depth at first base with Dunn, Adam LaRoche and Kila Ka'aihue, but I'd be taking on a hitter who can only play in my Utility spot. That makes my roster quite a bit less flexible. In exchange for that liability, I'm offered the closing situation for the Jays: Rauch for now, Francisco when he comes back. I've already decided not to play for saves, so it's not much of a consolation. Of course, I made a couple of great trades with Slim Jim last year that took my team to the next level, but I don't get that impression with this deal. Pass.

Meanwhile, Dunn is pulling his weight, hitting .400 with a home run and 5 RBI. Seems to be adjusting to the DH role pretty well. Of course, three games against the Indians will make just about anybody look good.

Why shouldn't I panic? How about Kyle Drabek? In his first start of the season (and only the third of his young career), Drabek held the Twins hitless for 5.1 innings before giving up a single to Denard Span. It would be the only hit he gave up in his seven innings of work, striking out seven along the way. Anything can happen with young pitchers, but he's looking like a pretty good $2 upside pick so far.