ENOUGH IS ENOUGH WHO’S THE FIFTH MAN? Brad Penny? Clay Buchholz? John Smoltz? Daisuke Matsuzaka? We the proud members of Red Sox Nation want and need to know, please! It’s now time for the Boston Red Sox to make a decision on their pitching staff. They need to figure out who’s in and who’s out, when it comes to the Boston rotation before it’s to late.
And the time’s running out for them to do it, as Smoltz is all set to make his season and Red Sox debut next week. As the Sox continue their inter-league play with the Washington Nationals, with a three game series in the D.C. area. With Smoltz coming back it gives the Sox a few options, like either placing him in the rotation or possibly using him in the bullpen. Whatever they decide Smoltz has proven throughout his career he’s capable of doing either role. Since he has 203 career wins to go along with 154 saves over his 20 year career.
Now let’s take a look at the 09 season stats for the four pitchers the Sox have to choose from:
Clay Buchholz
| 2009 Season | ||||||||||||||||||
| Team | League | W | L | ERA | G | GS | CG | SHO | SV | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | GO/AO | AVG |
| PAW | INT | 5 | 0 | 1.90 | 12 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 71.0 | 42 | 16 | 15 | 7 | 17 | 65 | 1.35 | .165 |
| Minors | 5 | 0 | 1.90 | 12 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 71.0 | 42 | 16 | 15 | 7 | 17 | 65 | 1.35 | .165 |
John Smoltz
| 2009 Season | ||||||||||||||||||
| Team | League | W | L | ERA | G | GS | CG | SHO | SV | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | GO/AO | AVG |
| POR | EAS | 0 | 0 | 2.70 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.60 | .231 |
| GVL | SAL | 0 | 0 | 1.13 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8.0 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1.29 | .172 |
| PAW | INT | 1 | 1 | 3.38 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 16.0 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 11 | 0.94 | .179 |
| Minors | 1 | 1 | 2.63 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 27.1 | 18 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 21 | 0.97 | .184 |
Daisuke Matsuzaka
Record 1 Win – 5 Losses – 8.23 ERA – 35 IP’s – 59 Hits – 32 Runs Allowed – 8 HR’s Allowed – 18 Walks – 34 K’s
Brad Penny
Record 6 Wins – 2 Losses – 4.94 ERA – 71 IP’s – 86 Hits – 45 Runs Allowed – 8 HR’s Allowed – 24 Walks – 47 K’s
- Personally if it was up to me I’d toss Dice-K either down to AAA Pawtucket or the disabled list for a few months. Maybe it would help him think about all the money he’s milking the Sox for this season. Plus it might allow him time to ponder how badly he SUCKS this year!
- I’d keep Penny in the rotation for now, he’s earned it. The guy just goes out there and throws strikes, it doesn’t matter who the hitter is or which team he’s pitching against. If he starts to falter or tire out as the season goes along, you address it then. If not leave him in there and let him do what you signed him to do. Which is WIN games and eat up some innings!
- Hold Buchholz in Pawtucket, until an injury pops up with one of your starters. Or until September 1st when the MLB rosters expand to 40 players. Plus I’d gag the little bugger and remind him that he stunk up the joint last season in the majors. Yes, he might have a no-hitter under his belt (07 vs Orioles) but since that night he hasn’t done jack to brag about.
- Smoltz I’d welcome him to the “show” and let him start 2 games at the most. Then I’d see how the arm feels, see if he still has what’s needed for a starter. If not let him go from the bullpen, it can’t hurt them out there. He’d be a great asset as either a set up man for Jonathan Papelbon or as a second closer. Having two closers isn’t a bad thing, it would give Papelbon some extra rest and keep both of them rested and fresh. Which would make a lot of sense late in September and into the play-offs!
That’s it for me, I’ve said my peace for the time being. Plus I didn’t even get into my original reason for doing this which was to toss Dice-K’s A$$ under the bus (Mr. $102 Million) and crucify the bum! No worries though that will be coming very soon. As always let’s hear your comments or thoughts about this situation that the Red Sox are facing. LET’S GO SOX!
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