Trades: Oh, the possibilities! (Jack Cust, anyone?)
Over the Monster — ... The Globe's Tony Massaroti took a good look at the Red Sox today and dissected it to see where the areas of improvement are. A couple areas are obvious: when it comes to trades, the pitching staff really doesn't need anything. Although the Red Sox starting pitchers have been absolutely abysmal at times, the depth is there: John Smoltz, Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden are all waiting in the wings for a shot at the big time. Meanwhile, there's also pitchers like Justin Masterson who could start in a pinch and ...

Trades: Oh the Realities!
Over the Monster — ... comes to defensive upgrades at SS, Jack Wilson is more likely than anyone else. This is partially good, because Wilson's relatively high salary for an all-glove no-hit SS means that Pittsburgh will probably be receiving the baseball equivalent of a wooden nickel.  4. We can imagine that many of our minor leaguers have trade value, but here are the ones who actually do: Lars Anderson, Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden, Nick Hagadone, Ryan Kalish, ...

New Jeff Wilson mailbag up
Lone Star Ball — Jeff Wilson has a new mailbag column up... There is the inevitable Clay Buchholz trade discussion, with someone asking if the Rangers could get Buchholz for Omar Vizquel...Wilson suggests that Vizquel plus Hank Blalock would be more realistic, but the Rangers wouldn't do that right now because Josh Hamilton is out.  I suspect, though, that if the Rangers could get Buchholz for Blalock and Vizquel, they'd jump all over it and figure out what to do at DH later... ...

Nick Johnson a "perfect" fit for Red Sox
Over the Monster — ... . The Red Sox won't part with someone like Clay Buchholz for Johnson, who is often injured and is eligible for free agency after this season. But a good second-line arm for Johnson might be the framework of some arrangement, given that Washington is going nowhere and that they could save about $3.7 million by dealing Johnson sooner rather than later. ...

Reviewing the Red Sox's 2008 Draft: Casey Kelly is that good
Over the Monster — ... If Kelly is a shortstop, Price could play the pitcher role down the line. Price found similar success to Kelly in his team in Greenville (A). His two starts in Salem has been rough, but there's no reason not to expect him to rebound. According to SoxProspects, Price doesn't have a lot of "mileage" on his arm -- that's a good thing. There's another guy who has succeeded when he entered the Sox system without a lot of mileage -- Clay Buchholz. ...

Decisions, decisions: Smoltz and Lowrie looming
Over the Monster — ... gotten the lion's share of the ink, especially because Smoltz is a much higher-profile "call-up" than Lowrie is. However, I suspect that Dice-K's most recent disastrous start may make the situation a little clearer. Right now, would anyone want to bet against a second all-expenses-paid trip to the beautiful, luxurious 15-day Disabled List for Matsuzaka? That leaves a five-man rotation of Jon Lester, Smoltz, Josh Beckett, Tim Wakefield, and Brad Penny, with Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden waiting in the wings in case of ...

Game 67: What do the Sox do with Dice-K?
Over the Monster — ... runs, four walks, two strikeouts and one home run. Just ugly. No way around that one. Here's what Dice-K said after the game: "If I keep going like this, I have no right to be a part of this rotation." Let's hand it to Dice-K: at least he admits it when he's bad. But he's really on to something. What are the Red Sox going to do? The Sox have a surplus of extra arms just chomping at the bit to get to the bigs in John Smoltz, Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden. Smoltz will be making his 2009 ...

First Half Minors Recap Part 1: Pawtucket and Portland
Over the Monster — ... Sox farm system, the Pawtucket Red Sox has been all about the pitching. Filled primarily with insurance guys who would play in case of injuries in the main club, the lineup is solid but largely uninteresting. Early backups Chris Carter and Jeff Bailey provided mostly frustration for Sox fans, and Aaron Bates is a relatively recent addition. The rotation and bullpen, on the other hand, have stolen the show.   Though their torrid starts have slowed some, Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden have done everything and more to ...

MLB Trade Rumors: Cliff Lee to the Dodgers??
FakeTeams — ... or Clay Buchholz, but the Dodgers lack that potential ace. What the Dodgers do have is several pitching prospects who could be a step below the Hansons of the world in ...

How valuable is Daniel Bard?
Over the Monster — ... What people say is that a reliever is not as valuable as a starter. So where does Bard slot in with other prospects like Clay Buchholz or ...

MLB Trade Rumors: Why The Diamondbacks Should Trade Dan Haren
FakeTeams — ... plenty of young talented pitching prospects, but they do not need another starting pitcher, they need a bat. The Dodgers do need an ace starting pitcher, but the price for Haren would be sky high. Here is a list of prospects for each team that could be in the mix for Haren: Phillies-P Carlos Carrasco, P Antonio Bastardo, P Kyle Drabek, OF Michael Taylor, OF Dominic Brown, SS Jason Donald, C Lou Marson Red Sox-P Clay Buchholz, P Justin Masterson, 1B Lars Anderson, P ...

All Star Selection Day Linkaliciousness
Lone Star Ball — ... value largely depends on whether he's a plus defensive centerfielder who can be 10-15 runs above average in the field...if so, he's got a future as a major league regular, even if he's below average for the position with the bat.  Kahrl appears to be completely disregarding Borbon's defense and writing him off as a prospect based on him not walking or having much power... Keith Law had a chat session this week in which he mentions he'd take Justin Smoak over Clay Buchholz. Jim Callis had a chat session this week in ...

MLB Trade Rumors: David Wright To The Red Sox??
FakeTeams — ... heading into the All-Star break. Wright would be perfect for that lineup, and the Mets could make a killing in return. Minaya could start with AAA P Clay Buchholz, AAA P ...

Kill the rumors now: Roy Halladay will not be a Red Sox
Over the Monster — ... he can easily win 20 games for any contender and his stuff is just flat out nasty. With that said, he is not going to be a Boston Red Sox on August 1, no matter how hard you try. There are a few reasons why he won't be a Red Sox, but the most important reason is that the Sox do not need Roy Halladay. Do you remember back a few months when everyone was freaking out about how the Sox would fit John Smoltz into the rotation? And, at the same time, Clay Buchholz was lighting up Pawtucket? Not to mention Michael ...

Clay Buchholz to start in Toronto
Over the Monster — "Free Clay" faithfuls: your prayers have been answered!  According to the Globe Clay Buchholz will start for the Red Sox Friday night against the Blue Jays, the team's first game after the All-Star break, Sox manager Terry Francona announced after this afternoon's game at Fenway Park. With two Red Sox starters in the All-Star Game (Tim Wakefield and Josh Beckett), Francona said the plan is for Buchholz to make just one start with the big club. Six man rotation? No! It seems to me like it's ...

MLB Trade Rumors: Adrian Gonzalez To The Red Sox??
FakeTeams — ... Should the Red Sox deal for Gonzalez, they would more than likely have to give up a combination of Clay Buchholz, ...

5 Reasons Why Lars Anderson is Still a Top Prospect
Over the Monster — ... 4 months ago, before the 2009 season started, the position of top Red Sox prospect was reserved for Lars Anderson. Clay Buchholz graduated following his half-season in 2008, Michael Bowden was considered a mid-rotation starter, and Daniel Bard could not threaten the top spot as a bullpen arm. Lars Anderson sat undisputed at #1. Today, it's not so clear that he is deserving of that distinction, as Lars has dropped to #2 in the SoxProspects.com rankings. To be fair to Lars, a big part of this drop is Casey Kelly's ...

AAA All-Star GDT 10PM EST
DRaysBay — ... was selected to the 2009 International All-Star team. Thayer, who replaces Clay Buchholz on the IL squad, will join infielder Reid Brignac as the two Bulls representatives at the 2009 Triple-A All-Star Game. ...

MLB Trade Rumors: Padres GM Kevin Towers To "Listen" On Offers For Adrian Gonzalez and Heath Bell
FakeTeams — ... Should Towers decide to trade both AGonz and Bell, he will most certainly get a hefty package in return based on their talent levels, as well as their contracts. We have already discussed here on Faketeams what the Padres can get in return for AGonz. Towers could ask for Clay Buchholz, ...

I'll Take My Spoons and Dig Out Your Blue Eyes, I'll Swallow them Down to My Colon: Next Series Pitchers Preview: Boston Red Sox
Bluebird Banter — ... pitching for the Jays.  He's countered by Red Sox prospect Clay Buchholz, who makes his first major league start of the 2009 season.  Tomorrow afternoon, the Jays send out another lefty, as ...

GameThread: Sox @ Blue Jays - July 17
Over the Monster — ... Boston Red Sox Over the Monster @ Toronto Blue Jays Bluebird Banter Friday, Jul 17, 2009, 7:07 PM EDT Rogers Centre Clay Buchholz vs Ricky Romero --> Partly cloudy,rain. Game time temperature around 70. Complete Coverage > ...

Postgame: Buch Passes in 2009 Debut
Over the Monster — ... The return of Clay Buchholz tonight was a significant event for Red Sox Nation. Clay has a lot of history for a youth with less than a full season in the bigs: a great debut, complete with a no-hitter, and then a terrible slump last year. Which Buchholz would show - the dominant, unhittable power pitcher, or the vulnerable-looking kid who loses control of his pitches and the game? The game started auspiciously: Kevin Youkilis smacked a 2-run homer off Ricky Romero, the Jays rookie phenom who'd won 5 of his last 6 games. ...

Second Half Starts the Way the First Half Ended. Jays Lose to Red Sox.
Bluebird Banter — ... hit the ball as hard as you'll see it hit. But then he made as poor a base running decision as you will see in a while right after. Rolen hit a ground ball to the pitcher Clay Buchholz and Adam for some reason decided to run to 3rd. Just a dumb move. We've seen more than our share of bad base running this year. ...

Clay Buchholz's First Start: Pitch F/X
Over the Monster — ... Tonight was Clay Buchholz's first start in the MLB since his disgraceful return to the minors last season. In that time, he was expected to mature and learn to use his array of pitches better... Alright, me no good with the word stuffs. TO THE GRAPHS!!! ...

GameThread: Red Sox @ Jays - July 18
Over the Monster — ... After Clay Buchholz started and won his first start of 2009, he turns the ball over to Brad Penny for his first start of the second half. Opposing him is the man with the weirdest and longest name: Marc Rzepczynski. Sounds like a hockey player. ...

MLB Trade Rumors: Trading Clay Buchholz
FakeTeams — ... In Buchholz, they get a pitcher ready for the Majors (I personally he think he'd come in as their #3 starter, behind Milwood and Feldman), who will develop on the same timetable as the rest of their young pitching talent. Slotting him in the rotation also lets them move Holland into a long relief spot, where he can develop while Texas makes a playoff run. Most importantly, Clay Buchholz is a Texas native in whom Nolan Ryan has expressed strong interest.  Texas may love Smoak, but, after losing the AL West to ...

Wednesday a.m. Rangers stuff
Lone Star Ball — ... , although Ron Washington says he still supports Jones.  However, with Nelson Cruz apparently likely to play today, I'm guessing Jones will be sitting against Boston starter Clay Buchholz. ...

Trade Target Talk Time
Viva El Birdos — ... All-Star third baseman. Pros - He's Scott Rolen. Cons - He's Scott Rolen Bottom Line - I'm really only including Scotty Ro here because Peter Gammons happened to mention on the radio the other day he was hearing the Cardinals might be interested in acquiring Scott Rolen. Unless Tony La Russa is part of the package going to Toronto, I don' t really see this happening, but please god, let this happen. Clay Buchholz, RHP, Boston Red Sox - We all know the ...

Pitching Against the Rangers Tonight
Lone Star Ball — ... Clay Buchholz #61 / Pitcher / Boston Red Sox Height: 6-3 Weight: 190 Bats: L Throws: R Born: Aug 14, 1984 ...

Game 94: Another one bites the dust: Sox lose again
Over the Monster — ... WP: Dustin Nippert (2 - 0) SV: Doug Mathis (1) LP: Clay Buchholz (1 - 1) ...

Around the Yankee Universe: Let's talk football
Pinstripe Alley — ... who aren’t cutting it, and a youngster in Clay Buchholz who to some degree is still on training wheels. ...

MLB Trade Rumors: Main Stream Media In On Adrian Gonzalez To The Red Sox
FakeTeams — ... have been very aggressive in attempting to deal for San Diego first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, but have been rebuffed. Another source suggested the asking price on Cleveland catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez is, at least currently, too prohibitive. We posted this possible deal here at faketeams a few weeks ago, and now the beat writers are discussing the same possibility. We posited that a deal for Gonzalez would have to include Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden and Lars Anderson. Since then, ...

Junichi Tazawa promoted to Pawtucket
Over the Monster — ... nice job," Portland Manager Arnie Beyeler said. "He's become a really polished guy. It will be interesting to watch him." It's great to see Tazawa get promoted. Obviously the Sox weren't sure how Tazawa would do once he came over to the states, but when it comes to Double-A, he's had no problems. His biggest test will now be in Pawtucket where he'll face some talented hitters. So while the Sox stuggle with starters on the big-league level, they bring up Clay Buchholz, with Michael Bowden down in AAA. Now Tazawa is there, ...

Report: Rays Willing to Include Wade Davis in a Cliff Lee/Victor Martinez Trade
DRaysBay — ... . The Red Sox are not quite there yet in willingness to deal Clay Buchholz. Texas and Milwaukee also have eyes for Lee while the ...

Sox offer Buchholz, Bowden, Westmoreland for Roy Halladay
Over the Monster — Editor's Note: According to Yahoo's! Gordon Edes, the Red Sox have offered Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden and Ryan Westmoreland to Toronto for Roy Halladay. No word if those are the only three prospects involved, but the Jays have said before that teams inside the division will have to pay a "premium price" -- an extra player -- for Halladay. Theo is by far the smartest GM in baseball.  I am convinced that he has played these negotiation perfectly.  Over-valuing Buchholz's potential, claiming he is untouchable, ...

GT: A's @ Red Sox - July 28
Over the Monster — ... Oakland Athletics Athletics Nation @ Boston Red Sox Over the Monster Tuesday, Jul 28, 2009, 7:10 PM EDT Fenway Park Vin Mazzaro vs Clay Buchholz --> Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to center field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 80. Complete Coverage > ...

MLB Trade Rumors: Clay Buchholz for Roy Halladay??
FakeTeams — ... last night whereby the Red Sox would actually trade their top pitching prospect Clay Buchholz and one of AA first baseman ...

The Road Map
Viva El Birdos — ... In dealing Daryl Jones, the target needs to be a young stud pitcher, either a prospect or a 0-3 guy. Clay Buchholz is the guy I'm looking at as a model, though he's not necessarily a good fit specifically here.The Sawx are willing to move him, as he's apparently part of the package they're offering for ...

Trade Deadline Open Thread
Over the Monster — ... Jack Curry of the New York Times has additional comments from Ricciardi on Halladay: "We've got nothing going on.  We expect him to be with us." 1:14pm: Yahoo's Tim Brown sees the Dodgers and Red Sox as the frontrunners for Doc in what is shaping up as a two-team race.  Brown says the only Major Leaguer in the Dodgers' offer is James McDonald, while the Sox will part with Clay Buchholz, one of Justin Masterson, Michael ...

5 Hours to the Deadline
Bluebird Banter — ... Rangers, but it appears the Rangers would want the Jays to take some of his salary. That won't happen. Dodgers won't trade Clayton Kershaw so it doesn't look like he'll be going there. Yankees are still a possibility but I doubt it some how. Brewers were in the rumors and have prospects we'd like but I think the deadline is too close to get that worked out. The only team that I think still has a chance is the Red Sox if they would give up Clay Buchholz and a top prospect like Lars Anderson and maybe ...

Source: Victor Martinez close to being dealt to Red Sox
Let's Go Tribe! — ... The Indians' exact return is not known, but the Red Sox did not include either right-hander Clay Buchholz nor right-hander ...

WBZ: Red Sox acquire Indians' Victor Martinez
Over the Monster — ... No more news than this. If it's only Masterson and Hagadone, I'm not so sure. It's a lot better than trading Clay Buchholz, but like we've said for weeks now, Martinez wasn't the guy we want. I like Hagadone's potential, so I'm not 100 percent sold on this trade. ...

Victor Martinez to Red Sox for Hagadone, Masterson
Beyond the Box Score — ... Ortiz, worth -7 bRAA so far), the injured Lowell (roughly average so far, but unreliable), or the aging Varitek (.349 wOBA so far but only projected for .322 going forward), Martinez could add anywhere from .5-1.5 wins down the stretch.  Martinez will also be around next year, at a relatively cheap 7 million dollars, so this move should also help the Red Sox next year and possibly further if they sign Martinez to another contract, and they managed to avoid dealing either Clay Buchholz, ...

Biggest Winners/Losers at the Deadline
Federal Baseball — ... to an already loaded roster makes them better.  The fact that they were able to do so without including either Clay Buchholz or ...

Game 103: Beckett, Youkilis shutout O's; Victor Martinez debuts
Over the Monster — ... Sox play at 1:35 on Sunday with Clay Buchholz on the mound. Let's hope he shows us why we did not trade him and dominates the O's. ...

Red Sox at Orioles
Camden Chat — ... 2009 - Clay Buchholz 1-1 3 3 0 0 0 0 15.1 19 6 6 1 7 11 3.52 1.70 ...

Gamethread: Red Sox @ Orioles -- 8/2/09
Over the Monster — ... Boston Red Sox Over the Monster @ Baltimore Orioles Camden Chat Sunday, Aug 2, 2009, 1:35 PM EDT Oriole Park at Camden Yards Clay Buchholz vs Jason Berken --> Partly cloudy,rain. Winds blowing out to center field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 85.   Complete Coverage ...

Red Sox 18, Orioles 10: Solution to "September Swoon?" Lose all games in July and August as well.
Camden Chat — ... put up 7 runs over the first three innings, the Orioles offense exploded for 6 runs in the bottom of the third against Clay Buchholz. Just like that the Orioles were back in the game, but just as O's fans started to feel a glimmer of hope, Brian Bass and Matt Albers gave it away. The Red Sox scored 7 runs in the top of the 4th and the game wouldn't be close again. ...

When Should the Rays Promote Wade Davis?
DRaysBay — ... the 13 strikeout game in the middle. Maybe something changed or clicked, but Davis has looked like a top of the line pitching prospect since the beginning of June. Davis is generating 9% swinging strikes to date, which is good for 27th in the IL amongst qualified starters. That's not overly impressive and places him in a pack with Jon Niese, Ken Ray, and Tony Armas Jr. The top 10 look as such: David Hernandez Tommy Hanson Clay Buchholz Lucas French Charlie Morton ...

Sox-O's Postgame: Baltimore Being Baltimore
Over the Monster — ... Berken and a succession of relievers. None of Baltimore's pitchers lasted longer than 2.1 innings (the starter was out after 1.1 innings and 6 runs), and each gave up at least 1 run. Particular offensive heroes tonight were Victor Martinez (5-6 with a double), Kevin "Mr. August" Youkilis (3-4 with two BBs), and Josh Reddick, who recorded his first MLB home run. Almost everyone contributed, with only Big Papi and Casey Kotchman going hitless. Meanwhile Clay Buchholz tossed a no-hitter threw seven ...

Sox offered Buchholz, Bard and Bowden for Felix Hernandez
Over the Monster — ... Oh boy, this would have been a huge trade: The Seattle Times reports that, according to sources, the Red Sox offered a list of eight players, from which the Mariners could choose any five in exchange for Felix Hernandez. The list reportedly included: Clay Buchholz Daniel Bard Michael Bowden Justin Masterson Nick Hagadone Josh Reddick Yamaico Navarro Felix Doubront The Mariners, however, didn't feel that deal ...

Game 108: Yankees Walk-Off In 15
Over the Monster — ... Unfortunately, there will be little time to recuperate for the Red Sox. They face the Yankees again tomorrow at 4:00, hoping to snap their 4-game losing streak and stave off a symbolic repeat of the Boston Massacre. The wild card race is becoming uncomfortably tight, and the Yankee's lead uncomfortably large. The team will have to try and steal one tomorrow, pitting the inconsistent young arm of Clay Buchholz against Yankee ace C.C. Sabathia. ...

GT: Red Sox @ Yankees - Aug. 8
Over the Monster — ... Boston Red Sox Over the Monster @ New York Yankees Pinstripe Alley Saturday, Aug 8, 2009, 4:10 PM EDT Yankee Stadium Clay Buchholz vs CC Sabathia --> Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing in from center field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 75. Complete Coverage > ...

Yankees 5, Red Sox 0: Brilliant
Pinstripe Alley — ... Give credit where it's due: Clay Buchholz was pretty lucky.  He worked out of the trouble his 5 walks and 6 hits got him into. ...

Game 109: Sox get blanked again
Over the Monster — ... 0 1 1 2 X 5 9 0 WP: CC Sabathia (12 - 7) LP: Clay Buchholz (1 - 2) Complete ...

GT: Red Sox @ Yankees - Aug. 9
Over the Monster — ... WP: CC Sabathia (12 - 7) LP: Clay Buchholz (1 - 2) ...

Game 114: Tigers at Red Sox
Bless You Boys —   Justin Verlander (12-6, 3.45) vs.   Clay Buchholz (1-2, 5.33), 1:35 p.m. EST We can't make too much of one game, but I think we might learn something about the Tigers today.  Will they just want to get out of Boston and go home, after a tough series in which they arguably could've won two of the three games that have been played thus far?  Or will they try and salvage a win, demonstrating they're a better team than what they've shown over these past three games? For the Red Sox, Clay Buchholz is ...

Detroit Tigers at Boston Red Sox, Aug 13, 2009
Over the Monster — ... Starting pitchers are Justin Verlander (3.45 tRA and 26.9 pRAA) and Clay Buchholz (5.72 tRA and -2.4 pRAA). [Data from StatCorner] Not sure why Tito felt today would be the best day to give Dustin Pedroia a day off, in favor of recent acquisition Chris Woodward, but whatever, it's his job. VMart's catching and The Chronicles of Reddick is in for JD Drew. Hopefully today's game will be without HBPs - nearly made it through the game last night without one, until Ramon Ramirez plunked a batter ...

Game 114: Buchholz pitches well, but dealt the loss
Over the Monster — ... WP: Justin Verlander (13 - 6) SV: Fernando Rodney (24) LP: Clay Buchholz (1 - 3) ...

Game 116: Victor Martinez is the hero! Red Sox score 6 in the 9th to stun the Rangers 8-4
Over the Monster — ... tried twice to drop down a bunt, taking 2 strikes and then striking out on the 4th pitch of the at bat. Terry Francona then chose to pinch run Clay Buchholz for Jason Varitek. When ...

The Free Agency Free 2013 Boston Red Sox -- Starting Pitching
Over the Monster — ... 's contract will run out after 2012, and with his quirky pitching tendencies, inconsistencies, and disagreements with management it's not unlikely that he will leave the team if he hasn't already been traded. Clay Buchholz and Casey Kelly have to be the next two names on the list. Each of them are projected as top-of-the-rotation starters and have put up incredible numbers in the minors. Buchholz has had mixed results in the majors, but I still expect him to be a #2 guy at worst. So let's slot them in at #3 and #4 respectively. This leaves a ...

GT: Red Sox @ Blue Jays - Aug. 19
Over the Monster — ... Boston Red Sox Over the Monster @ Toronto Blue Jays Bluebird Banter Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009, 7:07 PM EDT Rogers Centre Clay Buchholz vs Roy Halladay --> Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 75. ...

Game Story: Sox Support Buch, Drop Halladay and the Jays
Over the Monster — ... Clay Buchholz pitched 6 innings of 6 hit ball, only walking 1 batter and allowing 1 run, while striking out 4. Aside from the innings, that sounds like the kind of outing we'd expect from the opposing starter, one ...

GT: Red Sox @ Blue Jays - Aug. 20
Over the Monster — ... WP: Clay Buchholz (2 - 3) ...

Bloody Sox Laundry, Aug. 23: Seeing the Yanks in October, Wagner confusion and is 2009 the new 2004?
Over the Monster — ... over anyone, in my opinion. If we're sticking with threes, though, I can't say the same for the Sox's No. 3 starter. Clay Buchholz could be good, but he's not proven yet. ...

Ladies of Cambridge: A Boston Red Sox Preview
South Side Sox — ... 3.0 WAR from their eight-hole hitter, though he is being payed $14 mil to do so.  The fact that the Red Sox went out and got Alex Gonzalez to play short shows how bad they've been at the position all season.  Gonzalez still brings solid defense to the table, but his bat is completely gone and playing him actually may hurt the team. Pitching: A potential rotation and closer: Josh Beckett-RHP, Jon Lester-LHP, Brad Penny-RHP, Clay Buchholz-RHP, Junichi Tazawa-RHP and Jonathan Papelbon ...

GT: White @ Red - Aug. 24
Over the Monster — ... Chicago White Sox South Side Sox @ Boston Red Sox Over the Monster Monday, Aug 24, 2009, 7:10 PM EDT Fenway Park Jose Contreras vs Clay Buchholz --> Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from left to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 75. Complete Coverage > ...

Here Comes The Pain
South Side Sox — ... Chicago White Sox @ Boston Red Sox Monday, Aug 24, 2009, 6:10 PM CDT Fenway Park Jose Contreras vs Clay Buchholz --> Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from left to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 75. B-R Preview | White Sox Game Notes | Live Box Score | MLB Gameday Complete Coverage > ...

Game 124: Offense rolls over White Sox, Contreras
Over the Monster — ... Clay Buchholz got rocked in his start. He went 4.2 innings and gave up 7 runs. A tough start for a guy that has looked so good recently. ...

Tuesday Afternoon Astros, etc Round Up
The Crawfish Boxes — ... , and seems to be taking it in stride. All young starters get their lumps, and even the top prospects like Clay Buchholz are still figuring it out on the big league level. This offseason is going to be extremely important to his development, obviously. Further developing his changeup and honing the rest of his repertoire should be his objectives. ...

With Wakefield and Wagner, who loses their spot on the roster?
Over the Monster — ... Enrique Gonzalez will be in Pawtucket before the day is over. That much is certain. So that clears up how Tim Wakefield gets his spot back on the roster when he starts tonight against the White Sox. But when Billy Wagner shows up to town tomorrow, who's the next to go? It leaves three likely pitchers that could get the boot: Junichi Tazawa, Clay Buchholz or Brad Penny. All three are starters, although Tazawa just replaced Penny in the rotation, at least for the time being. Here's what ...

The Boston Massacre
South Side Sox — ... was the biggest abuser of this.  He stood just outside of the shortstop position, not even making an attempt to catch balls that were in arms reach of him.  I yelled "Hey Scotty how 'bout taking some fielding practice.... you need it!".   He acknowledged what I said by peering at me and nodding his head.  Ozzie was nowhere to be found on the field.  Monday they had Kevin Hickey (a lefty) throwing BP, when we were facing Clay Buchholz (a righty).  Tuesday Don Cooper (and someone else, not sure who) threw BP.  They were ...

View From The Other Side: Red Sox Series Preview
Bluebird Banter — ... 3 game series against the Red Sox tonight, at Fenway this time, so I sent a handful of questions to Randy Booth from Over the Monster, SB Nation's Red Sox site. He was kind enough to answer. At the start of the season your starting rotation looked strong and deep, but it seems like you've had some bad luck there. Who makes up the rotation behind Beckett and Lester? Can they catch you up to the Yankees? Tim Wakefield, Clay Buchholz and Junichi Tazawa -- for now. Wakefield, after his ...

Game 128: Beckett struggles, but Red Sox pull out win
Over the Monster — ... caught Travis Snider at the plate for an out. The 'pen was not scored upon tonight. Daniel Bard was impressive by striking out three in 1.2 innings of work. Jonathan Papelbon earned his 31st save, but made it adventurous. He loaded the bases before striking out two to end the game. All three outs were strikeouts in the 9th. A win is a win, despite the poor performance from Beckett. Things will hopefully get better Saturday as Ricky Romero takes on Clay Buchholz at 7:10 p.m. ...

Home Runs by Aaron Hill and Rod Barajas not enough, Jays lose.
Bluebird Banter — ... open up the strike zone so the game finishes fast because they know game shouldn't be played. Rod Barajas is the streakiest batter I've ever seen. A bit ago he was cold as a batter can get. Now he's had 3 home runs in his last 13 at bats. Hope he can keep it going for the rest of the season, he'll get a decent contract out of someone then, I might rather it not be us, but I hope he does ok.( Tomorrow we have a 1:00 game with Ricky Romero (11-5, 3.91) going against Clay Buchholz (2-3, 5.02). Hope we have a better ending. ...

GT: Blue Jays @ Red Sox - Aug. 29
Over the Monster — ... Toronto Blue Jays Bluebird Banter @ Boston Red Sox Over the Monster Saturday, Aug 29, 2009, 7:10 PM EDT Fenway Park Ricky Romero vs Clay Buchholz --> Cloudy. Winds blowing in from center field at 20-25 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 65. ...

Game Story: BucKKKKKKKKKo Nearly Has to Punch the Pen
Over the Monster — ... Clay Buchholz was phenomenal tonight - 9 K's, 2 walks, 3 hits (one of which wasn't really), all in 8.1 IP. The offense didn't give him a lot of support, but he dealt with it and gets the arbitrary "W." The sad part about this game is that he almost got no credit for after ...

You think maybe we could just have an automatic title saying 'Jays lose to Red Sox' come up after every game against Boston?
Bluebird Banter — ... Blue Jays 2 Red Sox 3 For the second game in a row we rallied in the 9th but didn't quite complete the comeback. Jose Bautista lead off with a single against Clay Buchholz (who we only had 2 hits off in the first 8 innings) then Aaron Hill hit a hard line out right at the SS. Bad luck. Francona brought in Hideki Okajima, who gave up a run scoring double to Adam Lind and a run scoring single to Lyle Overbay. Jonathan Papelbon came in and Vernon Wells popped out on the first pitch and ...

GT: Blue Jays @ Red Sox - Aug. 30
Over the Monster — ... WP: Clay Buchholz (3 - 3) ...

Game Story: This is Byrdland.
Over the Monster — ... 's continuing back problems. If two nights ago was the real Clay Buchholz then we should be in pretty good shape. ...

Going forward: where does the Sox rotation stand?
Over the Monster — ... Sox make the postseason, they will need four good, reliable starters to even think about winning another World Series. Pending injuries, you can slot the names Josh Beckett and Jon Lester at the top of that list. That's a no-brainer. But that's where the dilemma comes in: who will be those other two pitchers the Sox will need? Right now, there are five prime candidates that pop in my mind, in no particular order: Tim Wakefield Clay Buchholz Daisuke Matsuzaka Junichi ...

Boston Buchholzs at Tampa Bay Prices, Sep 3, 2009
Over the Monster — ... 2009 - Clay Buchholz Please be the #3 we need. 10 9 0 0 0 0 51.1 54 26 25 6 25 36 5.42 -2.6 ...

GameThread: Orioles (56-81) @ Red Sox (79-58), 7:10 PM
Camden Chat — ... W-L ERA WHIP K BB 2009 - Clay Buchholz 4-3 4.40 1.50 39 26 ...

Good job, Clay Buchholz: You've got your spot
Over the Monster — ... After ripping through spring training and dominating minor league competition, Clay Buchholz wanted to get back in the big leagues. He knew he was good enough and he showed that he was good enough with those blips of success. But it wasn't that easy. There was too much starting pitching depth at the time and nobody wanted to rush him back. ...

GT: O's @ Red Sox - Sept. 9
Over the Monster — ... After hitting six home runs last night and Clay Buchholz spinning a solid game, the Red Sox look for the short two-game sweep tonight against the O's. ...

The Ballad of Victor Martinez
Over the Monster — ... It's not with Wakefield, though, that Martinez' has made the greatest impact !-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> . Instead, it's been with Clay Buchholz. Since catching Buchholz on August 2nd, Martinez has become Clay's personal catcher, ...

What should the Sox expect out of Daisuke Matsuzaka?
Over the Monster — ... being themselves -- and Clay Buchholz becoming a Lil' Beckett -- adding Dice-K to the starting pitching equation would sure up this team in a heartbeat. The Sox wouldn't have to worry about ...

Game 141: Beckett, big inning due in Rays
Over the Monster — ... K. Youkilis scored, D. Ortiz to third, J. Bay to second on wild pitch A. Gonzalez doubled to deep center, D. Ortiz, J. Bay and J.D. Drew scored J. Ellsbury singled, A. Gonzalez scored Nice. Despite the short game, Alex Gonzalez and Kevin Youkilis both had two hits. Youk had two RBIs, while Gonzo -- that guy who can't hit -- had three. Sox continue the series -- and finish it -- with a doubleheader today starting at noon. Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester will be on the hill today. ...

Bob Elliot on Red Sox offer for Halladay
Bluebird Banter — It is going to be talked about, let's put it up here: "I have zero idea why they didn't take the Boston offer," said a National League scout this week. "The Red Sox offered Clay Buchholz, Justin Masterson, Daniel Bard, Michael Bowden, Felix Doubront and Nick Hagadone. A couple of things strike me as strange about it. A 'National League scout' said this? Why would a scout from the other league know about this? Scouts generally aren't in on trades, obviously their ...

Game 1: Pedroia's Homer the Difference, Sox top Rays 3-1
Over the Monster — ... Clay Buchholz threw 7 strong innings, taking only 97 pitches to record 21 outs, giving up 5 hits, 3 walks, and an earned run while recording 5 strikeouts. The only earned run was scored on an infield single by ...

Don't be fooled: Daisuke Matsuzaka's performance tonight will be huge
Over the Monster — ... at the top of their rotation. Clay Buchholz has solidified his spot as the No. 3 starter, in my opinion, and if ...

How Do You Know When Your 23-Year-Old Shortstop Possesses a Bench Fetish?
DRaysBay — ... was promoted on September 3rd. The Rays were out of the playoff hunt for all intents and purposes. Since then, he's appeared in two games with those being the second game of the Labor Day doubleheader and Monday night's game. During that span the Rays have faced: Justin Verlander Armando Galarraga Edwin Jackson CC Sabathia A.J. Burnett Chad Gaudin Joba Chamberlain Josh Beckett Clay Buchholz Jon Lester David Hernandez 11 ...

Game 142: Daisuke Matsuzaka is back and dominates Angels
Over the Monster — ... more with a dead-center solo shot in the 8th inning. Jonathan Papelbon gave up a run in the 9th, but that was all against the Sox pitching staff tonight, which saw Ramon Ramirez, Billy Wagner and Daniel Bard as well. This, without a doubt, may be the biggest game all season for the Red Sox. Maybe this is even the turning point for the Sox. Combine what Matsuzaka did tonight with your typical performance from Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, and this may be the team to beat come October. While the ...

GameThread: Boston Red Sox (86-59) at Baltimore Orioles (60-86), 7:05 PM
Camden Chat — ... Boston Red Sox @ Baltimore Orioles Friday, Sep 18, 2009, 7:05 PM EDT Oriole Park at Camden Yards Clay Buchholz vs Jeremy Guthrie Complete Coverage > ...

Sox @ Birdland, 9/18/09
Over the Monster — ... 2009 - Clay Buchholz 5-3 13 12 0 0 0 0 71.1 68 30 29 6 30 49 3.66 1.37 ...

Game 146: Clay Buchholz, bullpen make easy work of Orioles
Over the Monster — ... I'm feeling good about Clay Buchholz. Buchholz went 6 strong innings and led the Red Sox to a 3-1 victory over the Orioles Friday night. Buchholz allowed just one run, five hits and three walks in the outing. While it wasn't Buchh's best outing, he was solid. Dennis Eckersley probably put it the best: Buchh is evolving. He didn't have his best stuff tonight, but he worked with what he had and he got the outs. The old Buchholz wouldn't have done that. The new Buchholz, however, can do that. It's great to see -- ...

On the spot.
FakeTeams — ... vs. Oakland: 7 IP,1 W,  8 H, 0 ER, 6 K Robinson Tejada @ Detroit: 5 IP, 1 W, 2 H, 1 ER, 5 K Over the next week, you'll find a decent amount of matchups that could help you on your push to fantasy gold. Bronson Arroyo: Not owned in a ton of leagues and over the last month has posted an ERA of 2.08 in 43.1 innings. He'll see the Pirates on Thursday the 24th and in his last start against them had a solid line of 8 IP, 4 H, 4 Ks. Clay Buchholz: Buchholz Hasn't faced the Royals this season but ...

Game 151: David Ortiz leads Sox to big win over Royals
Over the Monster — ... One more with the Royals tonight at 8. Keep thinking split, ladies and gentlemen. Clay Buchholz will be on the hill tonight. ...

Interview with ESPN Boston's Amy K. Nelson
Over the Monster — ... 7) Clay Buchholz looks like he's finally -- well, Clay Buchholz. He's been great for a couple of months now. Do you think he'll be able to continue this success through the postseason? ...

Game 152: Clay Buchholz leads Sox to split
Over the Monster — ... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 10 5 WP: Clay Buchholz (7 - 3) LP: Anthony Lerew (0 - 1) ...

Bloody Sox Laundry, 9/25 - Debate Time
Over the Monster — ... And, for the less confrontational, here's a less controversial topic... Guess the postseason roster - Extra Bases Fire away - after you check to see how the current rotation schedule sets up: Rotation change - Extra Bases Friday Sept. 25: Jon Lester Saturday Sept. 26: Daisuke Matsuzaka Sunday Sept. 27: Paul Byrd Monday Sept. 28: Josh Beckett Tuesday Sept. 29: Clay Buchholz Wednesday Sept. 30: Tim Wakefield Thursday Oct. 1: ...

FRIDAY HALOLINKS: Angels Can Clinch This Weekend
Halos Heaven — ... [stats] - and not Beckett - in Game 1 of the American League Division Series. Beckett would start Game 2, to be followed by Clay Buchholz in Game 3. ...

Jay Win Rain Shortened Game
Bluebird Banter — ... pitched 6 innings, gave up 6 hits, walked 2, but have up 3 homers and 4 runs. Not a great start  but good enough today.  Jays of the Day are Barajas (.178 WPA) and Overbay (.112). Honorable mention to Vernon Wells, Hill and Encarnacion. No Suckage Jays today but Casey Janssen was building towards it before the rains came. He gave up two walks and a double before they called it. Tomorrow Ricky Romero (12-9, 4.38) starts for us while Clay Buchholz (7-3, 3.21) goes for Boston.  ...

Game 157: Close, but Sox still lose
Over the Monster — ... WP: Ricky Romero (13 - 9) SV: Jason Frasor (11) LP: Clay Buchholz (7 - 4) ...

GT: Jays @ Red Sox - Sept. 30
Over the Monster — ... WP: Ricky Romero (13 - 9) SV: Jason Frasor LP: Clay Buchholz (7 - 4) ...

Tim Wakefield out for season
Over the Monster — ... If anyone saw Wakefield try to walk in his last start, you knew this was coming. He wasn't healthy then and you'd be foolish to think he'd be ready for the playoffs. It's hard to see this for many reasons, but one is the fact Wake was so good in the first half of the season. He was an All-Star he was so good! To finish the season out like this is most definitely a hard way to go out. The Sox will now go into the ALDS with Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and Daisuke Matsuzaka as their four core starters. If they ...

Game 161: Beckett struggles, but offense gets win over Indians
Over the Monster — ... Another win for the Sox over the Indians, moving them one away from sweeping the last series of the season. Clay Buchholz will be on the mound in the 1:35 p.m. game, but ...

GT: Indians @ Red Sox - Oct. 4
Over the Monster — ... Cleveland Indians Let's Go Tribe! @ Boston Red Sox Over the Monster Sunday, Oct 4, 2009, 1:35 PM EDT Fenway Park Tomo Ohka vs Clay Buchholz --> Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing in from left field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around . Complete Coverage > ...

Francona: Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz for first three in ALDS
Over the Monster — ... Terry Francona just announced that the Red Sox will start Jon Lester in game one of the ALDS, Josh Beckett in game two and Clay Buchholz in game three. "There are a lot of options open to us that we're interested in exploring," Francona said. Francona has yet to announce the playoff roster. "We'll assess everybody's health (to determine the postseason roster)," Francona said.

Game 162: Red Sox finish season with sweep of Indians
Over the Monster — ... Leagues, behind the Yankees (103) and the Angels (96, with a game in progress). The Sox's offense was aided by two home runs from J.D. Drew, a solo shot by Dustin Pedroia and a grand slam by Jed Lowrie. It was Lowrie's first career grand slam and his first home run at Fenway Park.  David Ortiz also had two RBIs, finishing his season at 99 -- just short of the 100 mark he has hit every season with the Sox since last year. Clay Buchholz was not good, considering he will be the Sox's No. 3 ...

Playoff Rotations Set - John Lackey/Jon Lester: Monday Halolinks
Halos Heaven — ... , in a move that has much to do with his ability to bounce back if needed, but also much to do with the way he is pitching. Clay Buchholz will start Game 3 at Fenway Park. ...

NL West Report: Division closes strong season, Kevin Towers axed
Purple Row — ... that sticking with Drew makes sense.  He raises good points, that his defense has improved, that he's still an above average offensive shortstop in spite of not reaching projections, and that he'll be as cheap as Cesar Izturis. MLBTradeRumors hosted a chat about Drew and his future. Fire Brand, a blog covering the Red Sox, suggest Drew would look great turning double plays with Dustin Pedroia.  The writer suggests Clay Buchholz would get the deal done, but Rob Neyer states ...

Manny Delcarmen scary bad in second half
Over the Monster — ... is still trying to figure out if Manny Delcarmen is going to be on the postseason roster. The combination of his car accident Saturday, plus his ineffectiveness, is going to make the decision tough. Here are the pitchers that should be locks for the ALDS: Jonathan Papelbon Ramon Ramirez Hideki Okajima Daniel Bard Billy Wagner Takashi Saito Daisuke Matsuzaka Clay Buchholz Josh Beckett Jon Lester ...

The Angels' Guide to Defeating the Red Sox -- From Over The Monster
Halos Heaven — ... Jon Lester It's no secret: it's tough to beat Lester (just look at his numbers from June-October). Just hope he reverts back to April form, then you'll be all set. Josh Beckett This one is easy: just have one of Beckett's ex-girlfriends sing the National Anthem. Actually, that didn't work for the Indians. Piss him off though, somehow, and he'll get all uppity and probably be a little wild. Clay Buchholz Like V-Mart, remind Clay how he pitched with the Sox last ...

Red Sox roster still unknown, but here's a good prediction
Over the Monster — ... staff: CATCHER (2) Victor Martinez Jason Varitek INFIELD (6) Kevin Youkilis Casey Kotchman Dustin Pedroia Alex Gonzalez Jed Lowrie Mike Lowell OUTFIELD (3) Jason Bay Jacoby Ellsbury J.D. Drew DESIGNATED HITTER (1) David Ortiz PITCHERS (11) Jon Lester Josh Beckett Clay Buchholz Daisuke Matsuzaka Paul Byrd Jonathan ...

LDS discussion thread
Lone Star Ball — ... Los Angeles Angels @ Boston Red Sox Sunday, Oct 11, 2009, 11:07 AM CDT Fenway Park Scott Kazmir vs Clay Buchholz   Complete Coverage > ...

GT: Angels @ Red Sox - ALDS Game Three - Oct. 11
Over the Monster — ... Los Angeles Angels Halos Heaven @ Boston Red Sox Over the Monster Sunday, Oct 11, 2009, 12:07 PM EDT Fenway Park Scott Kazmir vs Clay Buchholz Complete Coverage > ...

10/11: Open Division Series Thread
Lookout Landing — ... Clay Buchholz #61 / Pitcher / Boston Red Sox Height: 6-3 Weight: 190 Bats: L ...

GameThread: Sunday's Triple Header
Camden Chat — ... , allowing a total of 4 runs and 13 hits and earning two wins. The Angels have to feel pretty good about their chances. The Red Sox will counter with Clay Buchholz. He improved quite a bit this year but his last two starts of the year were disasters. If the Red Sox can't get their bats going the Angels will finally be able to beat them in the postseason. ...

Sunday's Playoff Action Open Thread
Brew Crew Ball — We join the Red Sox and Angels in progress, with the Red Sox facing elimination and Scott Kazmir facing Clay Buchholz. Then at 6, the Twins are also facing elimination as Carl Pavano takes on Andy Pettitte and the Yankees. Finally, I'm sure it'll be nice and warm in Denver at 9 when Jason Hammel and the Rockies make up yesterday's snowed-out game with J.A. Happ and the Phillies. Enjoy the games!

History Swept Away: Monday Halolinks
Halos Heaven — ... shoots Clay Buchholz's fastball into the right-field seats to put the Halos on the board in the fourth at Fenway ...

Theo: Buchholz in 2010 Starting Rotation, Martinez is the Catcher
Over the Monster — ... Theo Epstein and Terry Francona addressed the media today. Here are some of the highlights: • Epstein said it was safe to "pencil in" Clay Buchholz for the 2010 rotation. • Victor Martinez is the catcher, period. As Epstein said, that was the expectation when they traded for him. "He's about as good as it gets," the GM said. As for Jason Varitek, discussions will be held. • Epstein termed the Jason Bay negotiations unusual in that the team wants ...

Dissecting the Red Sox Roster: Pitching
Over the Monster — ... Clay Buchholz: With his salary in check and his potential finally starting to show, Buchholz should be a valuable part of the Red Sox for years to come, whether as a future ace that many project him as, or as a solid #3 man. The real question with Buchholz is what his trade value is. There haven't been many trades mentioned throughout this last year that haven't involved the young hurler, but it seems that the Sox and potential trade partners just cannot agree on his worth. While his much-improved showing during this regular season may have raised ...

Fantasy Baseball: The avoid list. pt. 2
FakeTeams — ... a BABIP of .257 and had an FIP of 3.96 on the season, which differs from ERA by over half of a run. In addition to his FIP, Wolf has seen his K/9 drop over the last three years and to a career low 6.72 in 2009. Looking at three different rankings for 2010, I see Wolf anywhere from 37 for starters to 65. Something tells me he'll be drafted closer to 65 than 37, and even then, I'd still take the higher upside guy in Jorge De La Rosa or a high upside young starter like Mat Latos, Clay Buchholz or Wade Davis. 12. J.A. Happ- See ...

MLB Trade Rumors: Carlos Beltran to the Red Sox?
FakeTeams — ... Carlos Beltran to improve their outfield defense. A trade for Beltran would move current CFer Jacoby Ellsbury to left field, thus eliminating the Sox chances of re-signing Jason Bay. If the Mets do look to rid themselves of some big contracts, Beltran could be on the block, and the Mets could get a pretty good return for Beltran since his contract doesn't run out until 2011. Ia m sure the usual names would be involved in any deal for Carlos Beltran-Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden, Josh Reddick, and so on. ...

Bill James Handbook Sneak Peak: 2010 Boston Red Sox Projections
Over the Monster — ... Michael Bowden 23 130 137 14 46 100 7 8 4.71 Clay Buchholz 25 161 150 17 63 ...

Saturday a.m. Rangers things
Lone Star Ball — What do we have today... Evan Grant takes a closer look at the Rockies' performance with Clint Hurdle as their hitting coach over at the DMN blog, with some interesting data on, among other things, how Ks and walks changed once Hurdle took over the job. In not-really-Rangers-news, but interesting anyway, Tony Massarotti says the BoSox were in on J.J. Hardy before he was dealt to the Brewers, with the Brewers asking for Clay Buchholz or Daniel Bard for Hardy, and Boston only being willing to part ...

Over the Monster Top 20 Prospects: #1
Over the Monster — ... If Lars was first last year, Michael Bowden was almost always second. Like Lars, Bowden has also had something of a discouraging year, but unlike Lars, Bowden's problems came at the major league level, where he was pounded, giving up 17 runs in 16 innings. Still, Bowden is young and impressed at AAA, where for much of the year he was outshining Clay Buchholz. The righty has a low-90s four-seamer, a high-80s two-seamer, a curve with a lot of movement, a very good circle change, and a recently added mid-80s slider which has yet to come along. ...

Lynn Henning: Don't Rule Out Trading Cabrera
Bless You Boys — ... just pumped his fist.  Except Henning seems to have a more suitable return package in mind, centered around pitcher Clay Buchholz. ...

Wednesday Bantering: Today's Roy Halladay Rumor, John McDonald and Buck Coats
Bluebird Banter — ... The Red Sox offer will apparently center around Clay Buchholz and Casey Kelly. Kelly was the Red Sox first round pick in 2008 and is an interesting story, Tennessee wanted him to play quarterback for the Volunteers. Kelly would only sign with the Sox if they would let him play both pitcher and shortstop. So he played both positions in A-Ball last year. His minor league numbers are  ...

Thinking Through Halladay to the Red Sox
Pinstripe Alley — You may have heard. Let's take a look at the common discussions: Mark Feinstein and Bill Maddon hear that trade demands would start with Clay Buchholz and Casey Kelly. John Sickles rated Kelly a B- before the start of 2009, roughly 11th best in the Boston system.  He's an interesting prospect in that the Red Sox have allowed him to work as a shortstop (.222/.302/.340) and a pitcher (95IP, 65H, 16BB). Buchholz is as much a question mark as Joba and Hughes. He turned 25 in August (a year older than Joba ...

Braves Sign Billy Wagner, Sox Nab 20th Pick
Over the Monster — ... to settle for a second rounder if the Braves signed a higher ranked free agent, but they have yet to be linked to any other, bigger names. Essentially, the Sox bought a few late-season innings of Wagner, and turned Chris Carter and Eddie Lora--two prospects entirely unlikely to contribute to the Sox--into first round picks. Not a bad deal. The Red Sox have acquired quite a bit of talent thanks to compensatory picks over the last 5 years, including Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz, Daniel Bard, Jed Lowrie, Michael ...

Marco Scutaro: Another Take
Over the Monster — ... Where does Scutaro fit in this model? Considering that the Front Office is signing him off a career year, as a Type A free agent, he's definitely not a value acquisition. He's not an underrated player like J D Drew that deserves a long-term commitment. Furthermore, by signing Scutaro, the Sox are giving up a first round draft pick, which could conceivably have produced the next Clay Buchholz or Casey Kelly (or the next unimpressive player like ...

MLB Trade Rumors: Winter Meetings Coverage Begins Monday
FakeTeams — ... teams interested in $$ Juan Pierre and a 3-team deal is being explored to get L.A. a bad-contract starter in return. The "bad contract" starter the Dodgers might get for Juan Pierre would not be Derek Lowe, a source said. That bridge has burned. It appears the Yankees and Red Sox are the favorites for Roy Halladay. Halladay to the Yankees for a package of Jesus Montero and Phil Hughes? Halladay to the Red Sox for Clay Buchholz and Josh Reddick? Halladay to the Phils for J.A. ...

Winter Meetings, Day Two Recap: A Slow Day For Red Sox
Over the Monster — ... it." After the jump, I'll update you on some of the happenings. ALL THE RUMBLIN' ('CAUSE THERE JUST WASN'T MUCH PERIOD) Full Count " Red Sox claim the ‘other’ Ramon Ramirez Another pitcher named Ramon Ramirez (potentially) in the Red Sox system. How fun! Tigers wanted Ellsbury or Buchholz If the Sox were to acquire Curtis Granderson, it would have taken Jacoby Ellsbury or Clay Buchholz. And we can all say "no thank you" at the same time. ...

New York Yankee notes: Now, about Roy Halladay
Pinstripe Alley — ... Cashman knows he's taking a risk, giving Boston a free shot at a confirmed Yankee-killer. Theo Epstein is loathe to trade prospects, and has said he wants to hang on to righty Clay Buchholz. But after seeing the Yankees fortify themselves yet again, the Sox GM may have no choice but to pick up the phone and call the Jays. ...

Happy Halladays After All?
The Good Phight — ... winters ago, when the Yanks and Sox were considered the leading contenders to trade for then-Twins ace Johan Santana. But it soon became clear that New York and Boston were more interested in keeping Santana from the other than paying the steep price in talent and dollars to bring him on board. Similarly, if the Yanks turn away from Halladay, Boston might do so as well: they already have a pretty darn good rotation front four in Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and Daisuke Matsuzaka, and likely don't want to part ...

MLB Trade Rumors: Roy Halladay for Prospects Only??
FakeTeams — ... for Roy Halladay. Here's a breakdown of some of the top prospects on the teams who have been rumored to have interest in dealing for Halladay: Rays-Desmond Jennings, Wade Davis and Jeremy Hellickson Dodgers-Dee Gordon, Chris Withrow and Josh Lindblom Phillies-Domonic Brown, Kyle Drabek and Michael Taylor Yankees-Jesus Montero, Austin Romine and Dellin Betances Red Sox-Clay Buchholz, Casey Kelly and Ryan Westmoreland Angels ...