FanPost

Pitching Surplus

With Smoltz ready to join the Red Sox this week, there is a serious log jam in our Starting pitching. I agree that this is a good problem to have, but I still think it's a problem. Many writers are saying the Red Sox do not need to trade a pitcher away, quoting the past seasons (such as the Bronson Arroyo Trade) as reasons not to trade away pitching. I disagree. This year is much different then past years. Currently we have 8 or 9 players who could be starting pitchers for the Red Sox. All of them would most likely perform at an above average performance.

This just isn't fair to the 3 or 4 pitchers that will not get to start because of it. Those 3 or 4 would be starters on any other MLB team and top of the rotation guys on some teams. Theo currently says he is not looking to trade Brad Penny because he enjoys having a surplus. I think this is a just a way to bring more demand for him. It will make the Sox seem not as eager to trade away a player.

I think right now there are many teams in limbo of whether or not to buy or sell. Once these teams determine their status, the demand for Penny will be even more. More and More teams will need starting pitching. Especially this year, there is not much on the market for starting pitching. Theo knows that Penny is pitching well and will keep raising his stock, maybe even to the level of Type B for free agency.

I think someone will be traded by the deadline. It just seems to stupid not to get something in return.