Red Sox Roundtable: What’s Boston’s Best Trade Option?

It’s been a while since the Red Sox roundtable has kicked it around amongst both you and the BSI writing staff. With the trade deadline fast approaching, it’s only natural that the staff and you weigh in on just whom you think the Red Sox should trade for, if anyone.

I’m going to kick this off. The writers and your comments will drive the conversation. Here we go!

Jul 20, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher

throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at US Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

First I’m peeved that Boston didn’t move on Matt Garza. OK, he hasn’t had a dominant year statistically (6-2, 3.17 ERA with the Cubs and now the Rangers) but the guy knows how to win and pitch in a pressure situations. To prove my point, in his first outing with the Rangers, Garza only pitched 7.1 innings while lifting the Rangers to a 5 hit, 1 run, 3-1 victory over the Yankees. But enough about that water under the bridge. What do the Sox need to do to complete down the stretch?

With question marks surrounding Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester and Ryan Dempster, I’m saying Boston needs starting pitching more than anything. Jake Peavy is the best available starting pitcher on the market. While he’s been just OK for the White Sox in 2013 (7-4, 4.19 ERA) he’s another guy like Garza who knows how pitch but doesn’t come with the same pedigree.

Being an above average pitcher in San Diego in a crappy division doesn’t quite excite me but his numbers play out favorably even when you consider his move to the AL Central. As a Padre over eight seasons he averaged 11 wins per season against 8 losses with a 3.41 ERA. With the ChiSox Peavey has averaged a 7-6 record and a 3.69 ERA.

Yes his strike outs are down – 162 per season with the Padres as opposed to 93 per season with the White Sox – but that is primarily a function of his innings pitched average (106 with Chicago, 160 with the Padres). There’s more good news. His walks, as expected, are also down. Peavy is averaging only 25 per season with the White Sox as opposed to 52 per season with the Padres.

The problem is that it would reportedly still require an attractive package of prospects for the White Sox to part with Peavy. Given Boston’s penchant for holding onto those dear to them in their farm system, it’s unlikely this deal could come together although Peter Gammons reported today that recently demoted Will Middlebrooks may be part of a package to lure Peavy.

Gorden Edes is reporting that the Sox are also looking at Houston’s Bud Norris, both Yovani Gallardo and Kyle Lohse in Milwaukee as well as Kansas City’s Ervin Santana and James Shields.

I’ve said my piece. Now it’s your turn. BSI writers and fans, sound off!