Clay Buchholz, arguably Boston's best starter this year, told Alex Speier of WEEI.com that he hopes to be wearing a Red Sox uniform for a while. It's hard to imagine the Red Sox dealing Buchholz now, but it wasn't long ago that his name appeared in trade rumors constantly. The righty, who has a 3.26 ERA with 6.3 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9 so far in 2010, says he didn't like being trade bait.
"Every time there was a big bat that was available and the Red Sox might be able to go after him, I definitely heard all that stuff on TV and in the media, through the news," Buchholz said. "It's hard to deal with sometimes."
It doesn't appear that the Red Sox are going to deal Buchholz any time soon, and the 25-year-old likes the idea of staying in Boston long-term. Buchholz, who is arbitration eligible after 2011 and eligible for free agency after 2014, told Speier that he's open to an extension.
"I would love for that to happen," he said.
If the Red Sox lock Buchholz up through his arbitration years after the season, the extensions that Scott Baker, Adam Wainwright and Nick Blackburn signed could become points of comparison for Buchholz and Red Sox GM Theo Epstein. Buchholz will be four years away from free agency after 2010; Baker ($15.25) Wainwright ($14.25MM) and Blackburn ($14MM) will make about $15MM each over the course of that chunk of their respective careers.
Best pitcher on the Boston rotation right now, I don’t see them dealing him.
Is it really arguable that he’s been Boston’s best starter?
Either way, there isn’t any chance of him being traded until both of two things happen: (1) the other 3 cut the crap; (2) the Sox are in contention.
It certainly can be argued. Buchholz’s ERA is a bit deceiving as he’s allowed 6 more runs than earned runs this year, compared to zero for Lester. Obviously, they aren’t earned runs for a reason, but some responsibility still lies on Buchholz when he struggles following an error (for example April 17th where he allowed 4 runs to score after an error that kept the inning going). Further, consider that Lester’s peripherals are heads and shoulders better than Buchholz’s: 9.59 k/9 vs 6.34; 2.35 K:BB vs 1.52; and 1.30 G:F vs 1.12. I’m not saying it’s clear either way, but it’s certainly up for debate.
I’m all for discounting the value of wins, but Lester’s losses have been significant. He was downright terrible to open the season and took his team out of winnable games. I haven’t seen all of his starts, but I don’t think Buchholz shares the same stain.
What I worry about now is what do the sox do if they need to trade for a hitter? The more and more we get deeper in the season it looks like we arent going to contend, but its still possible. With Clay FINALLY getting his chance and Westmoreland out for God only knows how long, if he even comes back, that leaves us with a very thin prospect list. Casey Kelly has to go in any deal now if they go after Fielder or Gonzalez
not necessarily true. We lost westmoreland to a very sad incident, but there is still Jose Iglesias. And not only that, but they have plenty of other pieces. Most scouts feel Lars Anderson has found his plate discipline again that he strayed from last season. He tore up AA and its too early to judge his AAA performance.
They also still have Luis Exposito at catcher who they could move if they sign V-Mart long term (not sure if i support that route tho). I don’t think there will be many big bats available and I don’t think Boston will like the idea of Prince Fielder. Like most other heavy ballplayers, he will have issues once he gets on the wrong side of 30. He doesn’t work hard. He has a temper. He just doesn’t fit the Boston clubhouse, let alone the team.
AGon may wind up becoming available, but I find that more likely next season. Maybe Miggy becomes available, but his attitude might keep the Red Sox away (referring to last seasons drinking incident). I’m all for makin a move for Cabrera if he becomes available.
But Kelly is untouchable. He wont be moving. Unless Albert Pujols became available, there is no way Kelly goes in any deal. Deal would be other pieces.
Anderson, Kalish, Reddick, are the 3 most likely to move in any deal in my opinion as the Sox are too high and mighty on the amazing glove of Iglesias and it appears he’s figuring out how to swing the bat too.
Once healthy, Tazawa could find himself on the block too. He’d be especially impressive in the NL in my opinion. His stuffs a little lacking for the AL in my opinion.
I think the Sox have plenty of players to get a deal done, but the questions are A) will they want to cough up all that talent, and B) will there be a bat worth a deal like that available. Also, as long as Papi is hitting again (thank goodness) the Sox don’t need a bat. Its our arms that are struggling much more. And we’ve had at least 6-7 real tough luck losses this season. We could easily be like 26-15 or 27-14 right now. Pap’s blown a few. Thats not going to sustain, especially with a talent as big as Bard behind him.
They have lost games on bloopers that have fallen into the outfield. The offense has for the most part been pretty productive especially considering 2/3 of the outfield is on the DL. This season is far from over and personally, I don’t think we need a bat, and I think the arms will come around. Except Beckett… I didn’t like the extension from day 1. I think his body is going to crap out on him. They put too much money on his past and didn’t look to the future hard enough I think.
so many things wrong with this…… where do i start.
1. the redsox paid iglesias like 8million dollars to be the shortstop of the future. not to be expensive trade bait. last i checked, the sox are lacking in shortstop depth.
2. casey kelly is far from untouchable. you have to give talent to get talent.
3. Miggy won’t become available. i’l bet my left lung he finishes atleast another 3 years in detroit before they even consider making him open. big contract sure, but he has been worth every penny of it.
4. are we talking about the same luis expositio who has a lifetime .278 avg with a .329 obp IN THE MINORS? that expositio? and his defense isn’t exactly great either.
5. anderson, kalish, reddick aren’t enough to get you a guy that has 40HR potential (fielder). maybe reddick should start getting his BA above the mendoza line before he gains any trade value. just saying.
ok, my rant is done. have a nice day.
Lol ur an idiot because if u read what I said, I said I don’t believe those types will be available or desirable to the Sox. U completely twisted it around. 2nd I said I didn’t think miggy would be available, but I’d make a move for him. I didn’t say anderson kalish reddick and iglesias combined would even get it done. I said those are the players the Sox will be looking to move if an opportunity arose.
I’m not going to bother explaining things to someone who can’t read or likes to twist words.
so many things wrong with this…… where do i start.
1. the redsox paid iglesias like 8million dollars to be the shortstop of the future. not to be expensive trade bait. last i checked, the sox are lacking in shortstop depth.
2. casey kelly is far from untouchable. you have to give talent to get talent.
3. Miggy won’t become available. i’l bet my left lung he finishes atleast another 3 years in detroit before they even consider making him open. big contract sure, but he has been worth every penny of it.
4. are we talking about the same luis expositio who has a lifetime .278 avg with a .329 obp IN THE MINORS? that expositio? and his defense isn’t exactly great either.
5. anderson, kalish, reddick aren’t enough to get you a guy that has 40HR potential (fielder). maybe reddick should start getting his BA above the mendoza line before he gains any trade value. just saying.
ok, my rant is done. have a nice day.
Boston’s problem isnt the need of a hitter, its pitching. Boston wont have a 40 HR guy but if they keep it up they will be top 5 in team HRs at seasons end so they are fine there.
They’re not directly in need of pitching either. They’re in need of the pitching they already have to get healthy and start performing up to expectations.
Well they could use a bullpen arm or two, the rotation is fine as long as Beckett comes back quick and no one else goes down.
If Boof Bonser comes up soon and can get outs that could solve the bullpen issue depth wise, they then just need to do their jobs.
not necessarily true. We lost westmoreland to a very sad incident, but there is still Jose Iglesias. And not only that, but they have plenty of other pieces. Most scouts feel Lars Anderson has found his plate discipline again that he strayed from last season. He tore up AA and its too early to judge his AAA performance.
They also still have Luis Exposito at catcher who they could move if they sign V-Mart long term (not sure if i support that route tho). I don’t think there will be many big bats available and I don’t think Boston will like the idea of Prince Fielder. Like most other heavy ballplayers, he will have issues once he gets on the wrong side of 30. He doesn’t work hard. He has a temper. He just doesn’t fit the Boston clubhouse, let alone the team.
AGon may wind up becoming available, but I find that more likely next season. Maybe Miggy becomes available, but his attitude might keep the Red Sox away (referring to last seasons drinking incident). I’m all for makin a move for Cabrera if he becomes available.
But Kelly is untouchable. He wont be moving. Unless Albert Pujols became available, there is no way Kelly goes in any deal. Deal would be other pieces.
Anderson, Kalish, Reddick, are the 3 most likely to move in any deal in my opinion as the Sox are too high and mighty on the amazing glove of Iglesias and it appears he’s figuring out how to swing the bat too.
Once healthy, Tazawa could find himself on the block too. He’d be especially impressive in the NL in my opinion. His stuffs a little lacking for the AL in my opinion.
I think the Sox have plenty of players to get a deal done, but the questions are A) will they want to cough up all that talent, and B) will there be a bat worth a deal like that available. Also, as long as Papi is hitting again (thank goodness) the Sox don’t need a bat. Its our arms that are struggling much more. And we’ve had at least 6-7 real tough luck losses this season. We could easily be like 26-15 or 27-14 right now. Pap’s blown a few. Thats not going to sustain, especially with a talent as big as Bard behind him.
They have lost games on bloopers that have fallen into the outfield. The offense has for the most part been pretty productive especially considering 2/3 of the outfield is on the DL. This season is far from over and personally, I don’t think we need a bat, and I think the arms will come around. Except Beckett… I didn’t like the extension from day 1. I think his body is going to crap out on him. They put too much money on his past and didn’t look to the future hard enough I think. And this is coming from a guy who Josh Beckett has long been my favorite pitcher since Clemens retired… I would have waited and let him hit free agency. Wasn’t worth the risk with all the other arms locked up longterm.
As far as Buchholz goes, there is a reason the Sox haven’t opened up to moving him. He’s got electric stuff. That 12-6 curve is among the best in baseball when he can control it. His fastball can get up in the mid 90’s. Great movement on the changeup. Its just a matter of time for him to piece it together.
Think of all the names he’s been attached to. Roy Halladay, Johan Santana, Adrian Gonzalez, Joe Mauer. We are talking about future hall of famers and potential future hall of famers. This isn’t a guy moving for a Jason Bay type deal. He will be an absolute star and is already coming into his own.
I’m been impressed with his FB velocity this year. I don’t remember it having quite the same zip before.
It lacked movement down in the zone last year and he’s really perfected the upstairs fastball followed by the change away.
Its a combination of the weight he put on, confidence and maturity as well as finding that good downward movement while maintaining velocity. He’s been very impressive. Theos sittin there real happy he did not let Clay go.
Greg F makes a good point on Lester vs. Buchholz. But contra to that point is something that happened just last night. Buch walks Denard Span to open the ninth and leaves in favor of Bard. Bard proceeds to partially tank and allows Span to score. Buch gets an earned run charged to him, though he may well have never scored if Buch stays in the game. I’m not saying its unfair, but it certainly opens up to discussion how effective ERA is in terms of truly comparing pitchers. With Lester having found his groove, I’m inclined to say he is the best on the staff right now, despite Clay’s several good outings.I think the Sox have to keep their options open on trading anyone/everyone. If we are to be sellers in June/July, I’d want to see a major infusion of youthful talent. That will not come about without exposing our best personnel to the bargaining process. So I might be willing to see Clay go for the right package in return. Signing him to a contract would not prohibit a trade, assuming the Sox would never give a no-trade clause to Clay at this point in his career.
Span got broken bat infield single, not walked.
I stand corrected on the methodology by which Span reached first base. But the point was not how he got there. It was that his run was charged to Clay when Bard truly let him score.
What kind of package of young talent would you be trading Clay for? Dude isn’t old or expensive.
I would have no idea what package of youth might be available, but one thing I do know is that other teams will not be coming to us willing to trade lots of quality youth for Lowell, Ortiz, Drew, etc. They’ll give us 2 or 3 B+ to A- prospects for a guy like Clay, precisely because he is good, young, cheap and under team control. My point was to keep an open mind and don’t take Clay out of the list of players we’d be willing to bargain over.
After having Clay shut the Twins down last night, maybe they’d be interested in trading Wilson Ramos (C, B- prospect) and Ben Revere (OF, B prospect) to get him on their staff.
No thanks. We have our tolken d-bag on our team (Nick Punto), we don’t need any more. You can keep him so he and Youk can try to out-douche each other.
Nice mullet he is growing.
I think if the right trade comes a long he definetly will be going.
its either him or casey kelley or even both to be gone for a big bat
red sox
adrian gonzalez
padres
casey kelley
derrick gibson
ryan kalish
luis exposito
felix doubront
stolmy pimentel
Thought we were done with this crap for awhile.
Padres get:
Clay Buchholz
Dustin pedroia
Red sox get:
Edward Mujica
Tony Gwynn Jr.
Matt Stairs
David Eckstein
A dozen baseballs
Padres get:
Clay Buchholz
Dustin pedroia
Red sox get:
Edward Mujica
Tony Gwynn Jr.
Matt Stairs
David Eckstein
A dozen baseballs
Padres:
Current Boston 25 Man roster, Fenway Park, John Burkett
Red Sox:
Autographed Pearl Jam Greatest Hits Album.
Make it happen, Theo!
Padres:
Current Boston 25 Man roster, Fenway Park, John Burkett
Red Sox:
Autographed Pearl Jam Greatest Hits Album.
Make it happen, Theo!
If Buchholz gets a foot on each side of the plate all season like he did last night, he should be a stud.
I’m not too sold on Clay’s performances so far. I mean he has been pitching well, and a 3.60 FIP and 4.28 xFIP suggest that his 3.23 ERA may rise just a little, but not much, I just can’t see how a 6 K/9 and 4.17 BB/9 is going to keep him going like this all season. Either that k/9 goes up or the bb/9 goes down.
Looking at his starts so far, he has had two starts with 7 Ks, and one with 10. Every other start has seen K rates no higher than 4. I know it’s a SSS, but it’s something to look at.
I still think he will finish the season pitching very well, but probably with an ERA about a run higher than it is now. Unless he keeps improving on his performance vs. the Twins last night, that is.
I dunno if you’ll find any disagreement about all that. “Best starter for Boston so far” is not saying as much as it normally would be.
But given his age & experience, a season like the one he’s having is a very good result.
I dunno if you’ll find any disagreement about all that. “Best starter for Boston so far” is not saying as much as it normally would be.
But given his age & experience, a season like the one he’s having is a very good result.
Another good start by Buchholz tonight. And to address the BS below:
-I don’t want Gonzalez, Fielder, or any other similar trades. We’re better off going after trades and FAs following this season as a ton of salary comes off the books.
-I don’t care if Buchholz is or isn’t the best pitcher on the Sox right now. His patience, mechanics, and actual stuff is immensely improved and that’s what counts.
-Theo isn’t moving C. Kelly for anyone outside of a top 10 player in the MLB
Good night and Good Luck