Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
So, let’s say that the Boston Red Sox make it to the postseason or at least are one of the two wild-card teams. Here is a question to think about, what is the starting rotation going to look like when Clay Buchholz comes back? Perhaps another more pressing question, if the Red Sox are a part of the play-in game between wild card teams or want to win that crucial first game in a series, who would start?
Counting Buchholz, the Red Sox have six quality starters. But can any of them right now be considered an ace? He is a great team guy but let’s immediately rule out Ryan Dempster. Nothing personal. He’s a great guy, solid middle of the rotation starter, but out of this conversation. Are the other five the type of pitcher an offense dreads facing? Jon Lester is considered the No. 1 pitcher in the rotation but he sure hasn’t been throwing like an ace at all lately. In one of his recent starts against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he gave up 11 hits and six runs, while only lasting a little over four innings. His next start was a lot better but that is alarming inconsistency from someone expected to be your ace.
Jake Peavy was a huge addition to the rotation and has a great bulldog mentality, the type that is very beneficial when everything is on the line. The Red Sox got him for those types of games. However, he has a hard time staying healthy and was on the disabled list again this year with an earned run average over 4.00 before he got hurt. He pitched great in his Boston debut but got knocked around in his last start. He certainly is a viable third starter in a rotation but a No. 1 guy? It might be a bit too much to ask at this point.
One of the more consistent starters over the last few months has been Felix Doubront. Up until August 10, he had allowed 13 runs over nine starts since the middle of June. It appears as though he is turning the corner and blossoming into the promising starter that he has been projected to be. However, he has never pitched in a game of any importance at the Major League level and that counts for a lot in these situations. You want someone who has big game experience. Also, his high pitch counts are always a concern although that has gotten much better recently.
Another extremely consistent starter and a huge surprise regarding his performance is John Lackey. Now, here is an interesting choice to start a potential play-in game or Game 1 of a series. His won and loss record hasn’t reflected his season, but there have been more than a few games where he has been absolutely dominating and has had two starts where he struck out ten or more batters. This is the Lackey that Red Sox Nation expected to see. Not only has he pitched very consistently, he also has big game experience as a rookie with the Los Angeles Angels back in the 2002 World Series, starting and winning Game Seven. He is as tough as nails. You may not like him, but no one faults his desire to win. He could be the best choice.
Finally, there is the injured Clay Buchholz. He was having a fantastic season, not losing a game and even made the All-Star team before getting hurt in June. It is now the middle of August and we still haven’t seen him back yet. He might be ready by September, but what kind of condition will he be in? He might not even have enough time to rehab anywhere because the minor league season would be over. Starting a pitcher that hasn’t thrown in almost three months in a crucial game might not be a smart idea.
Many teams have that one ace, Justin Verlander, David Price, CC Sabathia. These are guys that you can see making a huge difference in a crucial time. Boston could use someone to fill that role and the sooner that person steps up, the better.
