Red Sox Round Table: Five questions to consider during spring training
By Sean Penney
Who gets left out of the rotation – Drew Pomeranz, Steven Wright or Eduardo Rodriguez?
Sean: Assuming everyone is healthy, Pomeraz will be the odd man out. Fatigue was partially to blame for his second-half fade, as he’d already surpassed his career-high innings total by the time the Red Sox traded for him. Pomeranz would be the next man up when Boston inevitably needs someone to fill in for a spot-start, but sending him to the bullpen would help keep his workload in check to improve his chances of being fresh and healthy for the stretch run.
Daniel: The back end of the rotation will probably be fluid for most of the season until someone falls out of the race completely, whether that be a result of injury of performance. All three of the candidates have health concerns, but if anyone is on the outside looking in right now, it has to be Pomeranz. Rodriguez was solid for the Red Sox after the All-Star break and appears to be injury-free as he prepares to pitch for Venezuela in the WBC. As for Wright, if it weren’t for a lingering injury that cost him his season in August, he’d already be penciled into the fourth spot in the rotation. If Pomeranz doesn’t find a way to differentiate himself from the group, he’ll be starting the season in the ‘pen for the Red Sox.
Rick: The second half of the season Rodriguez was excellent (2-4, 3.24) in 14 starts. The caution is his home performances, but compared to Pomeranz he has the edge. Wright is a given if he is healthy. E-Rod has also had knee issues, so it may all come down to who is physically ready and not physical ability. Pomeranz should sit.
David: Rodriguez, on account of last years performance and due to his injury. Even if he says he’s ready it’s better not to rush.
Mike: Had Farrell not put Wright in as a pinch-runner against the Dodgers last year, I doubt many people would be calling for Wright to be out of the rotation. While I don’t think knuckleball pitchers are very reliable, Wright should be in the 2017 rotation. If Rodriguez can stay healthy, which is a tough ask, he is a shoe-in. He was a very effective pitcher when he came up from Pawtucket last season, and shows real flashes of greatness. That leaves Drew Pomeranz out, who profiles better out of the bullpen anyway.
Chris: Pomeranz. If you leave out Wright, then that means you have four lefties in the starting rotation and I don’t think that’s a healthy way to get through the season. That means it comes down to Rodriguez and Pomeranz. I think E-Rod offers up more upside than Pomeranz. We’ve seen glimpses and flashes of brilliance from him on the mound. His only setback has been injuries. So if I’m left with a healthy Rodriguez and a healthy Pomeranz, I’m taking Rodriguez.