2015 Red Sox starting pitching rotation predictions
By Sean Sylver
Sep 14, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Lester – Kelly – Brandon McCarthy – Buchholz – Allen Webster
Lester should be the focus of GM Ben Cherington’s offseason work and the Fenway Group’s $60 million war chest. Stop the posturing and negotiating, give him a market level offer and bring him back to head the rotation.
Kelly was the real focus of that deal with the Cardinals. Whoever’s idea it was to include that minimum clause in Lackey’s contract was a genius. It brought Kelly, his 98 mph fastball and grit to Fenway. Get a better team behind him and he wins 15 games.
McCarthy looked like a desperation move by the Yankees at the trade deadline last year (and all they gave up was Vidal Nuno to Arizona; no wonder they cleaned house). All he did was throw up a 2.89 ERA in 14 starts, many with that short right field porch for lefties to shoot at in the Bronx. Bring him in, Ben.
Buchholz needs an injury-free season. Get his mechanics where they need to be. Keep him healthy. Watch him produce.
Webster posted a 2.63 ERA in his last four starts of the season, and two of those teams (Royals and Orioles) went to the playoffs. Get his head right and tell him he is on the team out of Spring Training.
Rubby De La Rosa seems better suited with his electric fastball
and Pedro-taught change-up in the bullpen, where he only has to go
through lineups once. Could also be the #5, depending on which way
they want to build the ‘pen.