Is the actual rotation the worst in the last 10 Y?

[Spudboy]

Dice K? Yuk! Maybe Wake too.

 

Ted you do remember how I felt about Dice-K don't you?

 

I was the guy who volunteered to drive him to Logan to get him out of town.

 

I was kidding about going to get him now.

[a700hitter]

Ted you do remember how I felt about Dice-K don't you?

 

I was the guy who volunteered to drive him to Logan to get him out of town.

 

I was kidding about going to get him now.

 

Pete, I remember. I was kidding about Wake too.

[Palodios]

Buchholz named opening day starter. I believe that he needs the emotional boost -- he's always been a #2/3/4 on the Red Sox, but he's had the stuff to be a #1. Hopefully he embraces the role, but I won't believe it until he's done some winning.

[Dojji]

Buchholz being the OD starter tells you all you need to know about this rotation. If they're so desperate that they're naming Buchholz the OD starter in order to build up his confidence and running freaking Buchholz out there as the nominal ace on opening day, then it's clear that this team is not built to do anything but maintain a holding pattern. What a terrible decision, made all the worst because there really wasn't a better decision to make.

 

I mean if by some absolute bolt out of the blue miracle this is the year where Buchholz is actually healthy and effective, both at the same time, then color me pleased, but he hasn't done it yet, and history suggests he isn't going to do it this year either.

[Ogden]

I guess if Buchholz wasn't named the starter there would be a return to his mysterious maladies? Can we get him an appearance on the Dr Phil Show?

[Thunder]

Buchholz named opening day starter. I believe that he needs the emotional boost -- he's always been a #2/3/4 on the Red Sox, but he's had the stuff to be a #1. Hopefully he embraces the role, but I won't believe it until he's done some winning.

 

He is on pace for a good year. He seems like one of those guys who has great stuff every other year, and mediocre stuff in between.

[Kimmi]

Buchholz named opening day starter. I believe that he needs the emotional boost -- he's always been a #2/3/4 on the Red Sox, but he's had the stuff to be a #1. Hopefully he embraces the role, but I won't believe it until he's done some winning.

 

 

I won't believe it until I see it either, but maybe this vote of confidence is what he needs. Or more so, maybe if he weren't named the Opening Day starter, he might take that as a slight and have his fragile ego bruised beyond repair. I don't know. He's such an enigma.

 

Anyway, he is the logical choice, IMO. There is not clear cut ace on the team, and he's not only the most veteran member of the starting rotation, but he's also the one who's been with the Sox the longest.

[User Name]

Buchholz being the OD starter tells you all you need to know about this rotation. If they're so desperate that they're naming Buchholz the OD starter in order to build up his confidence and running freaking Buchholz out there as the nominal ace on opening day, then it's clear that this team is not built to do anything but maintain a holding pattern. What a terrible decision, made all the worst because there really wasn't a better decision to make.

 

I mean if by some absolute bolt out of the blue miracle this is the year where Buchholz is actually healthy and effective, both at the same time, then color me pleased, but he hasn't done it yet, and history suggests he isn't going to do it this year either.

 

Why do you read so much into this? They chose him because he's the elder statesman of the rotation, and he's a lifelong Red Sock. The problem with Buchholz is that he can't be functional unless he's completely, 100% healthy. If he is, he's lights out, but that's nearly impossible to sustain during the grind of a baseball season.

[Dojji]

Which is why I have absolutely no patience with Buchholz. This is a guy we've spent 7 years shooting a pattern with. We have a pretty good idea what we can expect, and what we can expect is not much. The dance won't change until we change the music. Buchholz should have been moved into the bullpen 4 years ago to see if that helped his endurance problems but the Capital-H Hype wouldn't stand it.

 

I'm more annoyed that the franchise hasn't realized that this dog won't hunt and cut him than I am that buchholz is the opening day starter. OD starter is largely ceremonial. It's just that naming him is the symptom of more serious problems with the top end of our rotation.

 

I'd really like to hope that some blind trust in a mythically resurgent Buchholz didn't factor into the Sox brass's decision to move on from Lester. Because that would just be humiliating for everyon e.

Edited March 29, 2015 by Dojji

[sk7326]

Which is why I have absolutely no patience with Buchholz. This is a guy we've spent 7 years shooting a pattern with. We have a pretty good idea what we can expect, and what we can expect is not much. The dance won't change until we change the music. Buchholz should have been moved into the bullpen 4 years ago to see if that helped his endurance problems but the Capital-H Hype wouldn't stand it.

 

I'm more annoyed that the franchise hasn't realized that this dog won't hunt and cut him than I am that buchholz is the opening day starter. OD starter is largely ceremonial. It's just that naming him is the symptom of more serious problems with the top end of our rotation.

 

I'd really like to hope that some blind trust in a mythically resurgent Buchholz didn't factor into the Sox brass's decision to move on from Lester. Because that would just be humiliating for everyon e.

 

I think that was a non-issue with regards to Lester. What is clear is that they let Lester go because they think there are better options in trade.

[iortiz]

Well, when you see a guy like Buch as your OD starter, it speaks volumes how mediocre this staff was built.

[User Name]

I think that was a non-issue with regards to Lester. What is clear is that they let Lester go because they think there are better options in trade.

 

I don't even know how he comes up with this stuff.

[Spudboy]

I don't even know how he comes up with this stuff.

 

Yeah. Even for Dojji this is kind of out there.

[User Name]

Yeah. Even for Dojji this is kind of out there.

 

I will agree with him on the fact that Buchholz' ******** is maddening. I am not a proponent of calling players "pussies" or "soft" or whatever, because baseball is a hard sport where players spend several hours per game doing movements their bodies aren't supposed to do, but goddamn Clay, grow a pair.

[Spudboy]

I will agree with him on the fact that Buchholz' ******** is maddening. I am not a proponent of calling players "pussies" or "soft" or whatever, because baseball is a hard sport where players spend several hours per game doing movements their bodies aren't supposed to do, but goddamn Clay, grow a pair.

 

I've said that I'm done with Buch.

 

For his only dog trick he continues to dig holes.

[Bellhorn04]

I'm more annoyed that the franchise hasn't realized that this dog won't hunt and cut him than I am that buchholz is the opening day starter. OD starter is largely ceremonial. It's just that naming him is the symptom of more serious problems with the top end of our rotation.

 

I'd really like to hope that some blind trust in a mythically resurgent Buchholz didn't factor into the Sox brass's decision to move on from Lester. Because that would just be humiliating for everyon e.

 

Well, their thinking might have something to do with the fact that Buchholz is in the last year of a 5-year contract carrying a modest $6.1 million AAV, with 2016 and 2017 under their control at $13 million team options with tiny buyouts, as opposed to the $120 million we've theorized they could have retained Lester for.

[seabeachfred]

I think that was a non-issue with regards to Lester. What is clear is that they let Lester go because they think there are better options in trade.

 

Better options in a trade? I'd like to know where. Unless we are willing to pay through the nose for such a pitcher there is no one coming through that door anytime soon from what I can see. And Dojji is right on one thing as clear as day. For some reason the Red Sox FO has this seemingly mystical faith that suddenly we're going to see the Buchholz they thought they had when they brought him up in 2007. It would be nice if they were right for a change in their pitching beliefs but every passing season it looks more like a pipe dream. IF IF IF Clay can win next Monday and pitch well we might have the beginning of a real comeback, but if he looks like anything he did in his last start against the Braves it could be another what the hell is going on with that guy again......soon to be possibly followed by a long trek on the DL. Porcello should have been given the Opening Day Assignment.

[cp176]

Better options in a trade? I'd like to know where. Unless we are willing to pay through the nose for such a pitcher there is no one coming through that door anytime soon from what I can see. And Dojji is right on one thing as clear as day. For some reason the Red Sox FO has this seemingly mystical faith that suddenly we're going to see the Buchholz they thought they had when they brought him up in 2007. It would be nice if they were right for a change in their pitching beliefs but every passing season it looks more like a pipe dream. IF IF IF Clay can win next Monday and pitch well we might have the beginning of a real comeback, but if he looks like anything he did in his last start against the Braves it could be another what the hell is going on with that guy again......soon to be possibly followed by a long trek on the DL. Porcello should have been given the Opening Day Assignment.

 

It is sad to say but Buccholtz's last start was one of the best he has had this spring. Outside of a couple of mistakes he could have been easily mistaken for a middle of the rotation kind of guy. That's about as good as we can expect from him. It doesn't look as though much is decided these days just based on merit. I do not care about how Buccholtz feels. Porcello earned the right to be first up! I think that the extra necklace Buccholtz is wearing is holding him back.

[Thunder]

Better options in a trade? I'd like to know where. Unless we are willing to pay through the nose for such a pitcher there is no one coming through that door anytime soon from what I can see. And Dojji is right on one thing as clear as day. For some reason the Red Sox FO has this seemingly mystical faith that suddenly we're going to see the Buchholz they thought they had when they brought him up in 2007. It would be nice if they were right for a change in their pitching beliefs but every passing season it looks more like a pipe dream. IF IF IF Clay can win next Monday and pitch well we might have the beginning of a real comeback, but if he looks like anything he did in his last start against the Braves it could be another what the hell is going on with that guy again......soon to be possibly followed by a long trek on the DL. Porcello should have been given the Opening Day Assignment.

 

I agree with everything you said there, Fred, except for the Porcello part. It would be a major slap in the face of Buchholz if a new guy was given the right to start on Opening Day over him. It says something that Buchholz is the only guy from the 2014 rotation that we kept after all of those trades last July. Any confidence and morale that he has gained because of that, and after rehabbing the injury would be lost, and we would almost certainly be in for one of those crapshoot seasons for him again. I've always had a soft spot for Clay, since is no-hitter is the first game that I really remember seeing (don't recall watching '04 playoffs, just hearing about them), and the kid in me (still a large presence) hates to see any long lasting Red Sox player fall, get traded, released, DFA'd, etc... I still believe in him, but he is fragile. Even though Porcello is better, it's not worth it to hurt his newfound confidence by placing Porcello over him.

[SoxnCycles]

Well, their thinking might have something to do with the fact that Buchholz is in the last year of a 5-year contract carrying a modest $6.1 million AAV, with 2016 and 2017 under their control at $13 million team options with tiny buyouts, as opposed to the $120 million we've theorized they could have retained Lester for.

 

Trifling details...

[SoxnCycles]

I agree with everything you said there, Fred, except for the Porcello part. It would be a major slap in the face of Buchholz if a new guy was given the right to start on Opening Day over him. It says something that Buchholz is the only guy from the 2014 rotation that we kept after all of those trades last July. Any confidence and morale that he has gained because of that, and after rehabbing the injury would be lost, and we would almost certainly be in for one of those crapshoot seasons for him again. I've always had a soft spot for Clay, since is no-hitter is the first game that I really remember seeing (don't recall watching '04 playoffs, just hearing about them), and the kid in me (still a large presence) hates to see any long lasting Red Sox player fall, get traded, released, DFA'd, etc... I still believe in him, but he is fragile. Even though Porcello is better, it's not worth it to hurt his newfound confidence by placing Porcello over him.

 

I don't know why folks are so caught up in a mostly symbolic gesture.

So, Buchholz pitches OD.

I hardly think it going to determine anything more than that day's winning team.

Edited March 31, 2015 by SoxnCycles

[User Name]

Better options in a trade? I'd like to know where. Unless we are willing to pay through the nose for such a pitcher there is no one coming through that door anytime soon from what I can see. And Dojji is right on one thing as clear as day. For some reason the Red Sox FO has this seemingly mystical faith that suddenly we're going to see the Buchholz they thought they had when they brought him up in 2007. It would be nice if they were right for a change in their pitching beliefs but every passing season it looks more like a pipe dream. IF IF IF Clay can win next Monday and pitch well we might have the beginning of a real comeback, but if he looks like anything he did in his last start against the Braves it could be another what the hell is going on with that guy again......soon to be possibly followed by a long trek on the DL. Porcello should have been given the Opening Day Assignment.

 

Buchholz has absolutely nothing to do with the decision to let Lester go. You and Dojji are grasping at straws here.

[cp176]

Well - let's see- maybe some teams start what they feel is their best pitcher on opening day. Maybe because they would like to see their team have as good a chance to win their opener no matter how insignificant it might seem to some. Maybe because almost everyone who follows the game expects that a team's best pitcher will go on opening day. Maybe you think the Sox might "fake em out" and steal one. There might even still be a few people who believe that you still have to earn your way in the world and no matter how insignificant it might seem to some others might see this as a reward for work well done. Porcello has earned the right but hey lets try to make Buccholtz feel good about himself. Buccholtz - leading the way - really? It is an important day to me but clearly mine is a minority fan's opinion. Buccholtz - wow - I hope that he pitches well. Him getting this particular start certainly proves that all things are possible and you don't even have to earn them. The new American way!

[SoxnCycles]

Well - let's see- maybe some teams start what they feel is their best pitcher on opening day. Maybe because they would like to see their team have as good a chance to win their opener no matter how insignificant it might seem to some. Maybe because almost everyone who follows the game expects that a team's best pitcher will go on opening day. Maybe you think the Sox might "fake em out" and steal one. There might even still be a few people who believe that you still have to earn your way in the world and no matter how insignificant it might seem to some others might see this as a reward for work well done. Porcello has earned the right but hey lets try to make Buccholtz feel good about himself. Buccholtz - leading the way - really? It is an important day to me but clearly mine is a minority fan's opinion. Buccholtz - wow - I hope that he pitches well. Him getting this particular start certainly proves that all things are possible and you don't even have to earn them. The new American way!

 

Yes, the collapse of American society starts with Buchh pitching Opening Day.

 

Oh brother...

[cp176]

Yes, the collapse of American society starts with Buchh pitching Opening Day.

 

Oh brother...

 

 

A semantics master I see. Collapse of American society. Good one. I got nothing against Buccholtz. An excellent choice for the 4th game of the season. I'd rather see Sergeant Schultz pitch on opening day than him. But since it doesn't matter - it's all good.

[seabeachfred]

Buchholz has absolutely nothing to do with the decision to let Lester go. You and Dojji are grasping at straws here.

 

And you are grasping at air User. Nowhere in my post was John Lester even mentioned. Letting Lester go was a travesty. I said it then and I say it now. We should have resigned him right after the 2013 season and I will never retreat from that position.....not ever. However, he is gone and we can't do anything about him, but the group we have now in our starting rotation has got to step up-----at least three of them and hopefully four. I also don't know when and if Owens and the others will be ready. I am glad that Cherington has retreated from any Hamels talks since the Phillies are still insisting that Swihart has to be a part of any such trade. OTOH, I've seen Cherington buckle before, like last year when despite all the criticism to the contrary I insisted that he would sign Drew to a contract---and we saw what an utter disaster that was. I think Ben learned from that. No Swihart for Hamels trade.

[User Name]

And you are grasping at air User. Nowhere in my post was John Lester even mentioned. Letting Lester go was a travesty. I said it then and I say it now. We should have resigned him right after the 2013 season and I will never retreat from that position.....not ever. However, he is gone and we can't do anything about him, but the group we have now in our starting rotation has got to step up-----at least three of them and hopefully four. I also don't know when and if Owens and the others will be ready. I am glad that Cherington has retreated from any Hamels talks since the Phillies are still insisting that Swihart has to be a part of any such trade. OTOH, I've seen Cherington buckle before, like last year when despite all the criticism to the contrary I insisted that he would sign Drew to a contract---and we saw what an utter disaster that was. I think Ben learned from that. No Swihart for Hamels trade.

 

You choose to see it as a travesty, I don't. Mostly because I hate hate hate hate long-term deals for pitchers over 30. They usually end in disaster. I thought Lester may be the exception because of how durable he's been and he knows the AL East and all that jazz. Now it's ST and he's already had "arm fatigue" which is usually the "minor injury" that ends up blowing up into shoulder issues, decreased velocity, etc. It may indeed be something minor, but I'm reminded of just how fragile pitchers are, and how often these contracts suck.

 

Besides, he's gone. You can whine about it until you're blue in the face, but what's done is done.

[Spudboy]

I am convinced that Lester was allowed to walk precisely because the FO was convinced that Buch was ready to be the Ace.

 

And I will move to Indiana and vote for Cruz.

[Ogden]

I am convinced that Lester was allowed to walk precisely because the FO was convinced that Buch was ready to be the Ace.

 

And I will move to Indiana and vote for Cruz.

 

 

Nelson Cruz is in Seattle. And speaking of Cruz...

 

Juan Cruz or Oil Can Boyd reincarnated ?

 

 

http://cdn.sportsoverdose.com/thumbs/juan-cruz-37-mlb.jpg ............ http://millercards.net/im_cd_large/cd113.jpg

[sk7326]

It is sad to say but Buccholtz's last start was one of the best he has had this spring. Outside of a couple of mistakes he could have been easily mistaken for a middle of the rotation kind of guy. That's about as good as we can expect from him. It doesn't look as though much is decided these days just based on merit. I do not care about how Buccholtz feels. Porcello earned the right to be first up! I think that the extra necklace Buccholtz is wearing is holding him back.

 

BTW: worrying about the opening day starter is the stupidest thing fans and teams do. If I were a team, I'd start the ace on the second day anyway (if you are at home) - that's when you actually need the ticket bump of starting the #1 guy.