Red Sox: Predictions and Grades for the 2016 pitching staff
By Tyler Mason
Grade: B
Going into the 2015 season, Clay Buchholz was the Opening Day start. That was when manager John Farrell said that this team had “Five number 1’s”…yea, I don’t think many fans agreed with that when the season came to a close.
Clay Buchholz can shine when healthy. You saw that in the first half of the 2013 season where he went 9-0 and posted an ERA of 1.71. But like always, the injury bug got to him, sidelining him for the 2 months. Red Sox fans have never seen Clay Buchholz throw like that ever again. There have been times after the 2013 season where he has shown that he still has the stuff to mow hitters away, but not on a consistent basis. Buchholz has Cy Young stuff, but when he trips over a ladybug, stubbing his toe, and sending him to the 60-day DL yet again, he won’t be recognized as one of the best.
Next season, I see Buchholz having an “ok” year. I don’t want to have big expectations from him any more because he can only break not just my heart, but also Red Sox Nation’s so many times.
If people were to predict him to come out of the gates red hot and then get hurt when we need him the most, I wouldn’t call you a fool because that may just happen. But as for right now, if Buchholz can stay healthy, I can see him be a good quality number 2 in the rotation.
Prediction: 13-8, 3.27 ERA, 174 innings pitched.
Next: Rick Porcello