Sox fans, What do you expect to happen with the rotation?

[thefasterblade]

We all know the situation too many pitchers, only 5 spots to pitch from.

I post this thread on the news that John Smoltz is expected to make his return to the mound on Tuesday, June 16th. The Red Sox have been winning games all season even with a combined ERA of 5.24.

Josh Beckett
Jon Lester
Daisuke Matsuzaka
Tim Wakefield
Brady Penny
John Smoltz
Clay Buchholz
Michael Bowden

Does Penny get dealt to make room for Smoltz? Do they decide to go with a 6 man rotation. Does Wakefield, Smoltz or Penny move to the pen? Do they deal either Buchholz or Bowden off for power 1B presence?

What do you expect and what would you do?

Its a good problem to have.

 

[trevordchi]

I wish Carlos Lee would be willing to waive his no trade clause. Astros need good young pitching and the Sox need a legit impact bat. Carlos could play 1b and DH and the Sox could handle that contract.

 

[Johan Santana 57]

I would think, at least logically, if they are winning with the guys they have, to move Smoltz to the pen since he has great experience as a closer.

 

[bigpops65]

The Red Sox, according to Boston Globe, aare toying with a 6-man rotation:

Beckett, Lester, Dice-K, Wakefield, Penny, Smoltz

Buchholz and Bowden will spend most of the season in AAA, unless injuries happen.

Also, Smoltz is scheduled for two AAA starts, one potentially being Friday night @ McCoy. The second would probably be June 11. If he stays on track, Smoltz might face the Braves.

 

[All The Hype]

We all know the situation too many pitchers, only 5 spots to pitch from.

I post this thread on the news that John Smoltz is expected to make his return to the mound on Tuesday, June 16th. The Red Sox have been winning games all season even with a combined ERA of 5.24.

Josh Beckett
Jon Lester
Daisuke Matsuzaka
Tim Wakefield
Brady Penny
John Smoltz
Clay Buchholz
Michael Bowden

Does Penny get dealt to make room for Smoltz? Do they decide to go with a 6 man rotation. Does Wakefield, Smoltz or Penny move to the pen? Do they deal either Buchholz or Bowden off for power 1B presence?

What do you expect and what would you do?

Its a good problem to have.

It's too bad for guys like Buchholz and Bowden because those two are two of the top pitchers in the minor leagues right now, and for just about any other club, they would be in the Majors right now. But instead they are blocked by Boston's offseason acquisitions.

I'm sure it's not what they will do, but if I were Boston, I would deal Penny for some power, move Smoltz into the bullpen and put Buchholz into the rotation. They have two guys who could be playing in their final season with Wakefield and Smoltz, so next year may feature both Buchholz and Bowden in the rotation next year as neither of them really have anything left to prove in the minor leagues.

 

[bigpops65]

I think they will deal Penny, but the Sox can't move him until after June 15th since he was signed as a free agent in the offseason. Supposedly, one rumor has Penny to Philly for a catching prospect in AAA; another has Penny to the Brewers for Hardy.

 

[MaineMule]

....and there is still discussion about moving Manny DC. I would not be surprised to see Penny and MDC moved for a bat. How big a big bat remains the question.

 

[Tomlinson21RB]

I think they will deal Penny, but the Sox can't move him until after June 15th since he was signed as a free agent in the offseason. Supposedly, one rumor has Penny to Philly for a catching prospect in AAA; another has Penny to the Brewers for Hardy.

Yes please on Hardy.

 

[adamondo5]

In a perfect world Penny+ would be traded for another bat, Smoltz would be in the pen and Buchholz would be starting.

I just hope to god they don't do something stupid and trade Buchholz