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News Flash: The Red Sox announced today that rookie Clay Buchholz will not pitch again this season. The promising rookie, who tossed a no-hitter against the Orioles September 1st, is reportedly being shut down, not because of reaching an innings limit, but because strength testing revealed “fatigue” in his pitching arm.
View from Mt. Olympus: I’m not sure if I’ve heard a bigger bunk of B.S. in my life.
Theo Epstein and staff don’t want to jeopardize the kid’s future, which is understandable, but you mean to tell me a few post-season appearances would ruin him? Especially since he’s barely pitched at all this month? No wonder the kid’s arm is showing weakening…he’s barely used it to throw a ball in September!
It was almost comical listening to poor Terry Francona explain the situation. I’m willing to bet that this decision came from above, but the poor manager was the one left to answer the questions, many of which had nothing to do with game strategy and everything to do with organizational decisions and physical tests.
Tito said there’s no injury, just a fatigued arm, which is normal with lots of young pitchers. No kidding! Imagine that! A tired pitcher in September. Cause I’m sure the veterans are as fresh as spring chickens!
Contrast this to the Yankees decision this week to start pitching Joba Chamberlain on back-to-back days from here on out, due to the importance of every contest, and you have a stark contrast in philosophy. One team is going all out to win this year. The other would LIKE to win, but isn’t willing to risk the future.
I’m sure the sarcasm tells you what I think of this…what are your thoughts? Are you disappointed that perhaps the team’s 4th best starter and a potential weapon out of bullpen won’t be available during the World Series run? Or is this the right decision?
Probably for the best; you have to assume that most players would want a shot at a playoff/Series stint. I'd look for an off-season trip to a surgeon and a lengthy rehab.
Posted by KSM | September 28, 2007 5:57 PM
Posted on September 28, 2007 17:57
RIGHT ON TEDDY
I'm not buying it either. Again, I'm not disagreeing that it might be best to shut him down for the year, but FATIGUED ARM????
I had fatigued arm once in my adolecense, when i was discovering girls. Take it from me, repetition fixes it just fine.
Posted by Legend Killer | September 28, 2007 7:25 PM
Posted on September 28, 2007 19:25
Of course it would be GREAT to see the Young phenom Clay Buchholz pitch in the post season! That being said I still think its not about ruining his future but more about using proven veterans when it counts. This year the Dice Man next year The Clay Man who knows...???
Posted by Shappy | September 28, 2007 8:14 PM
Posted on September 28, 2007 20:14
I think this one is all about the $$$$....
When they let Schilling go after the season and move Buchholz into the rotation they save themselves $10+ mil to spend on Lowell or other 3B-man this winter. Ensuring Buchholz makes it to the spring and into 2008 makes sure they have that cash available for 3rd base.
Posted by dboisver | September 28, 2007 8:33 PM
Posted on September 28, 2007 20:33
Of course I'd love to see Clay Buchholz pitch in the playoffs. With that being said I have always believed that the post season is a time for Veterans to step up where and when it counts! This year was the year of the Dice Man and next year who knows maybe it will be the year of The Clay Man.....
Posted by Shappy | September 28, 2007 10:00 PM
Posted on September 28, 2007 22:00
Perfect, LK.
Having to keep up some pretense of being a responsible journalist/blogger, I shied away from saying what was really on my mind. I was hoping someone would step to the plate and belt that grooved pitch out of the park, and you did my friend.
Couple that with the fact we actually agree on something for a change, and I still have hope for you! I was beginning to worry all those car rides to Durham were in vain!
Posted by Teddy P. | September 29, 2007 1:08 PM
Posted on September 29, 2007 13:08