As a Red Sox fan for more than 35 years, I believe they have the best stable of young pitchers I’ve ever seen. It’s been like a conveyer belt through Portland. First there were Jonathan Papelbon and Manny Delcarmen and Jon Lester; then Clay Buchholz and Justin Masterson and Michael Bowden; next it will be Daniel Bard and Dustin Richardson.

No other organization in baseball boasts of such a group of thoroughbreds, all in their mid- to early 20s.

Theo Epstein should declare to the general managers and fans alike that those studs are non-tradeable, untouchable commodities. They are Boston’s best chance to compete with the young, upstart Tampa Bay Rays.

Sure, during the regular season, games are won with pitching, hitting and defense. In the postseason, it’s pitching, pitching and more pitching.

Todd Gaudette, Lewiston