The Red Sox pretty much let Clay Buchholz go today, trading him to the Phillies for a minor league infielder named Josh Tobias. Tobias played well at A ball the last two seasons, but is old for that level. He will give them some system depth, since Dustin Pedroia‘s health can be variable. I wouldn’t expect to see Tobias in the majors, but if Boston has to start moving second basemen around, he’s a decent player to fill in at a higher level.
Paul Swydan looks at what this means for the Red Sox rotation:
What this leaves the Red Sox is a situation that may not be wholly unique, but is certainly enviable. While the identity of the fifth starter may not be completely clear now or even by Opening Day, the Red Sox now have six starters who are capable of handling a full starter’s workload. Rodriguez figures to be a full-time starter because he has been exclusively a starter in his career, but in Pomeranz and Wright, the Red Sox have two pitchers who have proved to be weapons in both starting and relief roles.
It makes me wonder if the Red Sox start experimenting, playing with a six-man rotation, or using two starters in a game, splitting the innings.
George Stockburger sees the Phillies as having a logjam of pitchers, although many are still developing. I suspect the Phillies are hoping for three good months from Buchholz, and one or two of their minor league pitchers become major league ready. That would allow the Phillies to flip Buchholz to fill some holes while bringing up the future of the rotation.
The Red Sox get rid of a player they don’t need, and the Phillies take a chance on a possible turnaround. There’s not much downside for either club.
from baseballmusings.com http://ift.tt/2i7nvbQ
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