Hey Boston Fans? Why does Clay Bucholtz still start??

Question

Why do the Red Sox continue to start Clay Bucholtz even though he has lost his last six games and isn't showing any signs of improvement. What about that Masterson guy that they sent to the pen? He pitched well in the few starts they gave him a chance??

Answer 1

Well, on Sept. 1st, 07, he threw a no-hitter in his second start in the MLB. I was there, saw it with my own eyes. Amazing. Field box 52, Sect. 24 Row C Seat No.4. 5 Rows up from the field. Clay will improve in time.  

Answer 2

yes i know but he is really young hes having some trouble but he should be either in the pen or sent down to AAA until he pulls himself back together  

Answer 3

Clay has #1 stuff, but his confidence is shot.  This is normal for many young pitchers(he is only 23).  I think that the Sox will likely send him back down to get himself together.  They are in the middle of a pennant race and can ill afford his learning curve.  I doubt the Sox will try to convert Masterson back into a starter now that he has become an important part of the bullpen.  The Sox have a few options in the minors they can promote to take his place(C. Zink, M. Bowden, D. Pauley, D. Hansack).  They could also try to make a deal for a pitcher(J. Washburn and P. Byrd both cleared waivers).  B. Colon is also in the minors, but he is still quite a bit away from returning to the big leagues.  The Red Sox are going to be making some sort of moves in regards to the pitching with Buchholz struggling and Wakefield going on the 15 day DL.

Answer 4

I happen to agree with you. I'm a Yankee fan, but I don't see the problem with the Sox giving Masterson a spot-start, but from what I've seen of him, it'd probably be smarter if he stays in the bullpen just because he's been solid where he is.

Answer 5

There are a couple of reasons:

1 - Injuries. Bartolo Colon would be in that spot right now if he was healthy. He threw 3 innings of shutout ball in a rehab start yesturday and is slowly working his way back. He still has a few weeks though before being healthy. And now Tim Wakefield is on the DL for a few starts.

2 - They are trying to not completely destroy his confidence by yanking him out of the rotation. He does have good stuff, its just his command that kills him.

3 - You can't take a young pitcher in Masterson and force him to change everything about his pitching style/workouts/routines, etc. and then ask him to change back 3 weeks later. Doing that would destroy his arm as a young player in the MLB. He is better served in the bullpen for now.

4 - Since there are the injuries, there really is no one to promote from AAA that they feel has good enough stuff to start in the big leagues just yet.

Its gonna be a tough few weeks for Clay and he has to do something to turn it around. Because if he doesn't, once Colon is healthy, he is getting pulled from the rotation, and maybe even sent back down to Pawtucket (Triple-A Affiliate).

Answer 6

I was thinking the exact same thing. I'm really not sure. I think you are right, Masterson needs to get pulled from the Pen and put Bucholz back there until he can prove that he can be a winning starting pitcher in the Bigs. Justin Masterson's delivery is more deceptive and he already posted 4 wins before being demoted to AAA, then back up to the Bullpen. If the Redsox are struggling this bad for a 5th starter, they need to bring another starting pitcher up from Pawtuckett.  

Answer 7

You gotta be patient with the young guys...Buchholz has electric stuff but he just needs some time to adjust

Answer 8

Because He has pictures of Terry and Manny naked together in the shower?

I can't figure it out either...but thanks bringing it up