http://0rz.tw/FZl8q
Inbox: What's Buchholz's role in '09?
Beat reporter Ian Browne answers Red Sox fans' questions
By Ian Browne / MLB.com / 03/26/09 3:38 PM ET
After an impressive spring so far, what do you think will be Clay Buchholz's
role with the Red Sox for the 2009 season?
-- Pedro M., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
It's funny the way baseball works sometimes. Last year, Buchholz probably
wasn't ready to make the team, but did so because the team had a lack of depth
in the rotation after the injury to Curt Schilling. This year, he does look
ready but might not make it because the team has overwhelming depth in the
rotation. There have been no announcements yet. I have a feeling Justin
Masterson might get a start or two in the rotation at the beginning of the year
before giving way to Brad Penny.
Chris Carter can hit very well. His defense isn't quite so good. Would he be in
the Major Leagues if he had even average defense? Do you see him as David
Oritz's replacement at DH should injury befall the Sox? Where does he fit in
long term?
-- Dave C., Abington, Mass.
You are right that Carter's defense is the thing that has prevented him from
spending prolonged time in the big leagues to date. However, Carter has made
every effort to improve his defense all spring, often dragging coaches out to
the backfield with him early in the morning so he can keep working at it. No
player has outworked Carter this spring. It would be a great story if he made
the team. There is that "Mark Kotsay roster spot" up for grabs, and Carter is
one of the three finalists, along with Brad Wilkerson and Jeff Bailey.
I remember when the Red Sox got Junichi Tazawa, you said that he'd probably
spend a full year in the Minors and then maybe next year he'd start later in
the season, but he had a great Spring Training before getting sent down. Do you
think there's a chance he may be in the Majors by say June, July?
-- Moss R., New Orleans, La.
There's always a chance, but with the depth the Red Sox have accumulated, I
think it is still more than likely that Tazawa will spend most of the season in
the Minors, perhaps getting a September callup. Even though he did have a great
spring, he's never pitched a season of professional baseball, so why rush his
development?
How could the Red Sox send Daniel Bard to the Minors? This guy is electric,
he's tied for most K's in Spring Training and still has a 0.00 ERA!
-- Dan A., Merrimac, Mass.
Where is the weak link in the Red Sox's bullpen? They have Jonathan Papelbon,
Hideki Okajima, Takashi Saito, Manny Delcarmen, Ramon Ramirez, Javy Lopez and
Justin Masterson. All seven of those guys have had success in the Majors while
Bard is still less than three years removed from getting drafted. I'm sure you
will see Daniel Bard at Fenway this season, but the Red Sox will allow him to
complete his development at Triple-A Pawtucket first. If there is a need on the
staff due to ineffectiveness or injury, you will see Bard.
--
All Comments