Sunday, June 14, 2009
RED SOX ROTATION…MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
The conversation about what to do with the rotation, since Smoltz is ready, is somewhat futile. First off, this is a rich person’s problem. It is a good thing. Second, after a google search the handwriting is on the Green Monster as to what will happen between now and the Break. The second Dice Man (similar career paths?) is not 100%. He will likely be heading to the DL with Smoltz taking his spot in the rotation - problem solved. Matsuzaka will return in the middle of the week before the Break to give everyone five days off between starts.
Even if no one goes on the 15-day DL, Smoltz will head to the pen with Daniel Bard going down I-95 to work on his breaking ball. (Both Bard, Buchholz and Bowden are only a phone call away.) The future HOFer is fine pitching in relief (probably due to the bonus clause in his contract). As Justin Masterson did early in the year, Smoltz could easily transition back to a starter prior to the Break, if necessary. During the Break, he could have a minor league start to stay stretched out just in case a trade happened in the coming two weeks.
As for Penny, as you probably have guessed is staying in the rotation. At this point, it benefits both him due to his bonus terms and the Sox by, hopefully, increasing his trade value. According to Jon Heyman, the Phillies, Mets and Cards have interest in Penny but also have higher priorities. A deal involving Penny will likely be at the deadline. Hence, necessitating the plans outlined above.
*** Click to follow El Guapo's Ghost on Twitter.
The conversation about what to do with the rotation, since Smoltz is ready, is somewhat futile. First off, this is a rich person’s problem. It is a good thing. Second, after a google search the handwriting is on the Green Monster as to what will happen between now and the Break. The second Dice Man (similar career paths?) is not 100%. He will likely be heading to the DL with Smoltz taking his spot in the rotation - problem solved. Matsuzaka will return in the middle of the week before the Break to give everyone five days off between starts.
Even if no one goes on the 15-day DL, Smoltz will head to the pen with Daniel Bard going down I-95 to work on his breaking ball. (Both Bard, Buchholz and Bowden are only a phone call away.) The future HOFer is fine pitching in relief (probably due to the bonus clause in his contract). As Justin Masterson did early in the year, Smoltz could easily transition back to a starter prior to the Break, if necessary. During the Break, he could have a minor league start to stay stretched out just in case a trade happened in the coming two weeks.
As for Penny, as you probably have guessed is staying in the rotation. At this point, it benefits both him due to his bonus terms and the Sox by, hopefully, increasing his trade value. According to Jon Heyman, the Phillies, Mets and Cards have interest in Penny but also have higher priorities. A deal involving Penny will likely be at the deadline. Hence, necessitating the plans outlined above.
*** Click to follow El Guapo's Ghost on Twitter.
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Thank you - Red Sox!
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