The Core 5

Robert Frost once said, “Poets are like baseball pitchers. Both have their moments. The intervals are the tough things.” The Boston poet got it right when he acknowledged that pitching depressions puts the team in a rut. That rut lasted for most of the 2015 season. Major trades and deals left the Red Sox without a reliable ace last season, and that cost them a playoff push.

With the signing of David Price and the healthy return of some injured pitchers, the 2016 Red Sox starting rotation is shaping up. If the Sox can pull together and maintain a healthy, performing core 5, then I say they have a good chance at success this year, assuming the starting lineup holds up their end.

So what does the starting rotation look like this season?

1. David Price may as well have “Ace” embroidered on his jersey. After signing the largest pitching contract in Major League Baseball history (7 years, $217 million) it is quite obvious that the Sox have found their new headliner. The lefty earned that contract with an ERA under a 3, and an expansive knowledge of how to dominate in the American League East. Price is not going anywhere.
2. Is Clay Buchholz the number 2 pitcher for the Sox? That’s the million dollar question that everyone is asking. My answer? Yes! Though the Texas native has had a couple rocky seasons due to injuries, he has proven himself in the past. Let’s not forget his impressive 1.74 ERA in 2013, the year the Sox won the World Series! With the support of John Farrell, I see Buchholz holding strong to the number 2 spot.
3. Rick Porcello: the hidden gem of the Red Sox rotation. Porcello is a solid number 3 pitcher. He’s got an ERA that hovers around a 4, but his consistency makes him a reliable choice for 3rd. He works well in the middle of the rotation, he’s not a stand-out guy but he is an asset to this team
4. Eduardo Rodriguez. After an impressive rookie season, Rodriguez has proven that he has a lot of potential moving forward in this organization. The 22 year-old has a lot of growing to do over the next few years, but with a new mentor in David Price, I see great things for him in this rotation.
5. And that brings us to good old number 5, Joe Kelly. After a few rocky seasons, Kelly performed in 2015 for the Red Sox. His inconsistency may prove to catch up with him, but the guy can throw a fastball. With a new one year deal with the Sox, I think Kelly will try to prove himself. He may have to battle for his number 5 spot, but I say it’s his.

The Red Sox have great potential to win this season. Their starting rotation is shaping up! We’ll have to see what decisions are made about the bullpen, but the core 5 can put together good games.

#thesoxsweetheart