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The way too early 2019 Boston Red Sox starting rotation

By Brendan Mizgala

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 20: A view of the bullpen, also known as Williamsburg for Ted Williams, during the game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox on April 20, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Today marks the 100 year anniversary of the ball park's opening. The New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox 6-2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 20: A view of the bullpen, also known as Williamsburg for Ted Williams, during the game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox on April 20, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Today marks the 100 year anniversary of the ball park's opening. The New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox 6-2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – JUNE 03: Rick Porcello #22 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on June 3, 2018, in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Rick Porcello

Rick Porcello has been the rock of the rotation since he arrived in Boston. His first season may not have gone the best but he would quickly bounce back. In 2016 Porcello would put on a campaign of 22-4 and a 3.15 ERA earning him the CY Young Award. An absolute career year for Rick and one that fans will remember fondly.

2017 Would prove to be another down year for Porcello as he would walk away with an 11-17 record. Not the best showing for the right-hander and a year we’d all like to forget. Then came 2018, 17-7 would be the final tally for Rick and another great season.

Much like his righty cohort Nathan Eovaldi, Porcello would prove invaluable to manager Alex Cora in the postseason. He would come out of the bullpen in relief in what felt like every game that he didn’t start. He didn’t care if he started the night before or was scheduled for the next day, he wanted to pitch.

I remember Rick saying something along the lines of not caring if his arm fell off during the postseason because a World Series ring would make it feel better. There is a reason why I want Porcello a bit lower in the rotation and I alluded to it above. The last few years he has been a roller coaster pitcher with ups and downs every other year.

So looking at his stat lines the last handful of years he tends to have great seasons during the even years and bad ones during the odd years. So with 2019 coming in hot, I am a bit nervous Porcello may follow his strong 2018 run with a lackluster season. I pray that I’m wrong but better safe than sorry.

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