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Drew Pomeranz and Steven Wright Compared to Other Back End Starters

By David Spampinato

Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz (31) delivers a pitch in the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz (31) delivers a pitch in the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sale, Price, Porcello…and the other guys. That’s basically the way every Red Sox fan and baseball fan views the rotation this year. But compared to the rest of the league, just how do Pomeranz and Wright stack up to other 4’s and 5’s around the league.

All baseball fans have an expectation out of their respective ace and even out of their 2, but most fans don’t have lofty expectations for their 4 or 5. However, Red Sox fans are different. Last season, Drew Pomeranz led the NL in ERA at the All-Star break when he was with San Diego, and Steven Wright was the AL leader in ERA at the break.

Pomeranz’ Expectations

After Dealin’ Dave Dombrowski gave up top pitching prospect Anderson Espinoza for the all-star lefty, Pomeranz, many Red Sox fans were indifferent – excited that the team was buying into winning now, but nervous that Dombrowski just gave up the next Pedro Martinez.

Pomeranz was pretty disappointing during his time with the Red Sox, posting a 4.59 ERA in 68.2 innings. With that being said, the Red Sox gave away not only Espinoza, but they let Clay Buchholz walk because of Pomeranz.

The one-time 5th overall pick out of Ole Miss has high expectations this year. While I don’t expect him to put up the numbers he did while with San Diego last year, I do expect a large leap forward compared to what he did during his time with the Red Sox.

Wright’s Expectations

Despite David Price being 200 million dollar man and Rick Porcello winning the Cy Young award, Steven Wright was the lone all-star in the Red Sox rotation. The knuckleballer was 10-5 with a 2.68 ERA in the first half and was in consideration to get the nod to start the All-Star Game.

The second half was a different story for Wright. He only made seven starts posting a 3-1 record with a 5.06 ERA and then injured his throwing shoulder while pinch running – a move by John Farrell that still leaves Red Sox fans scratching their heads.

Wright was unable to pitch in the playoffs and he has been somewhat forgotten leading up to this spring. However, Wright will most likely be trusted to round out the powerhouse rotation with Eduardo Rodriguez vying for a spot as well.

Compared to the Rest of the League

With the exception of the Blue Jays, Nationals, and Mets, you could make a case for Drew Pomeranz and Steven Wright being the best 4-5 combo in the MLB. Although they are far from big names, the upside and potential that both Pomeranz and Wright have for this season is higher than most. There are very few bottom of the rotation starters that could potentially win over 15 games and post an ERA under 3.00, but Pomeranz and Wright have shown that they can – as long as they can withstand a full season.

Next: Will Sam Travis Make the Opening Day Roster?

I understand the doubt and uncertainty due to the fact that Pomeranz gave up a ton of home runs and faded as the season progressed and its hard to trust a knuckleballer, even if Wright was very productive when he was pitching. But like I said there’s also reason for hope and trust with these guys.

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