The Buchholz Dilemma

[Station 13]

If they won't bring Clay back, his 2 option years could be very tempting for other clubs. But I wouldn't shop him if he checked out with a clean bill of health next month.

[a700hitter]

In an article about Buch's visit to Dr. Andrews was the following quote:

 

Buchholz said last week team doctors told him his ligament looked as if he had never thrown a baseball before. Andrews backed that diagnosis, according to Sox manager John Farrell, though he recommended a platelet-rich plasma injection that should stimulate the healing in Buchholz’ elbow.

I guess that you really reduce wear and tear on your arm by pitching only half seasons. In addition to the platelet-rich plasma injection, Buch will be placed in bubble wrap until he begins rehabbing at which time only is right arm will be freed from the bubble wrap. Edited July 23, 2015 by a700hitter

[Bellhorn04]

I guess I'm kind of a Pollyanna when it comes to Buchholz because he's home-grown and he has a lot of talent. My Pollyanna says he's motivated now because of his contract situation and I think his current injury is just a legit injury, the kind that all pitchers are subject to.

 

But I certainly get where all the knocks on him come from.

[Kimmi]

First off, no one knows for sure that he will miss half a season, or even any time for that matter. Chances are that he will miss some time based on history, so you prepare for that, but it's not a given. Since 2010, his GS/IP have been 28/173.2, 14/82.2, 29/189.1, 16/108.1, 28/170.1, 18/113.1. Three out of the 6 years he has made close to 30 starts, or has given the team close to a full season.

 

Yes, I realize that that is not exactly a strong track record, but he will also not necessarily last only 1/2 a season. The $13 mil is worth the risk.

 

As far as the back up plan goes, for one, I would not rely on Clay to be the team's ace, so that if/when he does go down, we will not be losing our best pitcher. I realize that his replacement is likely going to be a downgrade if Clay is pitching well to that point. However, that is not necessarily the case either. There is the possibility that one of the young arms can fill in admirably. There is also the possibility of an in-season trade, depending on the timing of the potential injury.

 

Picking up Clay's option is a good start to building the rotation for next year. I don't see it as an excuse to stink again.

[a700hitter]

First off, no one knows for sure that he will miss half a season, or even any time for that matter. Chances are that he will miss some time based on history, so you prepare for that, but it's not a given. Since 2010, his GS/IP have been 28/173.2, 14/82.2, 29/189.1, 16/108.1, 28/170.1, 18/113.1. Three out of the 6 years he has made close to 30 starts, or has given the team close to a full season.

 

Yes, I realize that that is not exactly a strong track record, but he will also not necessarily last only 1/2 a season. The $13 mil is worth the risk.

 

As far as the back up plan goes, for one, I would not rely on Clay to be the team's ace, so that if/when he does go down, we will not be losing our best pitcher. I realize that his replacement is likely going to be a downgrade if Clay is pitching well to that point. However, that is not necessarily the case either. There is the possibility that one of the young arms can fill in admirably. There is also the possibility of an in-season trade, depending on the timing of the potential injury.

 

Picking up Clay's option is a good start to building the rotation for next year. I don't see it as an excuse to stink again.

But he does go on the DL every year around June or July, so you need a contingency plan, because you don't know when he will make it back.

[Spudboy]

I've said my piece.

[a700hitter]

I've said my piece.

In other words, you are getting off the TalkSox beat it to death merry go round. LOL!!

[Palodios]

The problem with Buch isn't the good years where he pitches like an ace one half, and goes on the DL till September.

 

The problem with Buch is the years where he has a nick or bruise that ruins his season. Let's not forget the 5.34 ERA from last year or the 4.56 from 2012.

 

Buchholz is a pitcher who pitches well half the time, who pitches half the time.

 

So you're getting 1/4 ace, 1/4 dud, 1/2 DL.

[a700hitter]

The problem with Buch isn't the good years where he pitches like an ace one half, and goes on the DL till September.

 

The problem with Buch is the years where he has a nick or bruise that ruins his season. Let's not forget the 5.34 ERA from last year or the 4.56 from 2012.

 

Buchholz is a pitcher who pitches well half the time, who pitches half the time.

 

So you're getting 1/4 ace, 1/4 dud, 1/2 DL.

I never thought of it like that, but I think you are right. When he does pitch, half the time he is an ace and the other half is dud.

[Spudboy]

In other words, you are getting off the TalkSox beat it to death merry go round. LOL!!

 

 

Nah. I just don't feel that it is necessary to repeat myself.

[gojohn99]

That's quite a clever breakdown.

 

Clay is not an ace

 

 

Buchholz is a pitcher who pitches well half the time, who pitches half the time.

 

So you're getting 1/4 ace, 1/4 dud, 1/2 DL.

[SoxnCycles]

That's quite a clever breakdown.

 

Clay is not an ace

 

And he's not being paid like one.

[cp176]

Move on - turn the page on Buchholz.

[jacksonianmarch]

Buchholz says he wont see a mound for at least 5-6 weeks. His season is basically done

[Northern Star]

The problem with Buch isn't the good years where he pitches like an ace one half, and goes on the DL till September.

 

The problem with Buch is the years where he has a nick or bruise that ruins his season. Let's not forget the 5.34 ERA from last year or the 4.56 from 2012.

 

Buchholz is a pitcher who pitches well half the time, who pitches half the time.

 

So you're getting 1/4 ace, 1/4 dud, 1/2 DL.

 

And Buch is getting "see ya!" and out the door.

[mvp 78]

Buchholz is too hit or miss. I'd rather deal him now, have another down year next year, but put the Sox in position to be stronger in the long run. The longer you wait to deal him, the smaller the return will be.

 

Out of the mouths of babes...

[Behindenemylines]

I don't think you can get anything of value for him now. His track record says the guy will break down at some point during the season.

[Behindenemylines]

I don't think you can get anything of value for him now. His track record says the guy will break down at some point during the season.

 

This is the same thing we have been saying for the last few seasons.