How do you improve the Red Sox

Those two starts came on the heels of a start that saw him carry a no-hitter into the seventh inning against Cleveland at Fenway Park, epitomizing the enigma that Kelly has become. “He has a variety of weapons and different looks, but that fastball in on righthanded hitters, if he’s pitching inside, that makes for an uncomfortable at-bat,” PawSox manager Kevin Boles said. “I don't think it's a lack of trust or conviction. It's just him getting it in that right spot." What Kelly found was that inconsistency in the length of his stride caused inconsistency in the rest of his delivery, resulting in a lower arm slot and less downward action with his hand. Shortening his stride and standing taller were two of the focus points in a recent bullpen session with PawSox pitching coach Bob Kipper. “My last bullpen was good because I felt exactly what I needed to feel,” he said. “Now it’s just a matter of trying to get that feeling every time out and not get away from it.” To grab the job, Kelly will have to fend off a charge from Elias, who has struck out at least eight hitters in three of his last four starts -- including a complete game on Sunday at Norfolk. His ERA in his last four starts is 4.03, and he has struck out 44 hitters in his last 44 2/3 innings.