Boston Red Sox Round Table: Which free agent pitcher is the best fit?
By Sean Penney
Oct 28, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) celebrates after defeating the New York Mets in game two of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Jorge Camargo: Personally, I don’t think any of the three options would fit in Boston, but if I have to choose I’ll go with Price. Boston is a place where sports are almost a religion, and Fenway Park is the cathedral. Even though Greinke might be the best option, I don’t see him with the attitude to lead a Red Sox rotation as Schilling, Pedro Martinez, Josh Beckett and Jon Lester have done before. I know Los Angeles has a market similar to Boston, but everything is easier when you are behind Clayton Kershaw. Cueto might have the attitude and swag, but his shoulder and recent record are a huge red flag.
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Brandon Nickel: I weep for the poor soul who decides to pick Cueto. I’ve written about the pros and cons for the Red Sox signing each of these three men, and instead of rehashing my arguments, I’d rather take the approach of who I would never touch with someone else’s 10-foot pole.
I’m a Red Sox fan, but as I live in Canada I have had to listen for years about how R.A. Dickey‘s move from the New York Mets to the Toronto Blue Jays was going to be the most important signing in ages. Finally, the Blue Jays had a Cy Young Award winner and were going to go deep into the postseason. A few seasons later and the Blue Jays were not going to even sniff the playoffs if it wasn’t for the signings and trades that they made this year. And they still didn’t make the World Series. Dickey was their fourth starter in the rotation, behind Price, a second-year player who was out most of the year, and a bullpen-turned-starting pitcher who they never expected to factor in their plans that much.
Cueto’s move from the National League to the American League has looked very Dickey-esque.
Sean: Cueto’s complete game two-hit gem in Game 2 of the World Series may change people’s attitudes about his ability to shine on the big stage, which is something Price has been unable to accomplish thus far. I’m still inclined to lean toward the larger sample of Price dominating in this division.
Next: Can Greinke handle the heat?