Boston Red Sox: Key Moves To Keep Postseason Alive
Sitting 7.5 games behind second wildcard seed Houston has Boston Red Sox fans elated, given their pitching struggles and Dustin Pedroia’s ailing hamstring. With Hanley Ramirez pulling his share of impressive offensive statistics, executives should probably move now to protect their aging hitters and abysmal pitching staff. Should Boston hope to contend in October, these key moves are suggested to bolster their rotation and add some utility help:
Grab Kazmir. He’ll perform.
Trade deadline arms are slim pickings, with Johnny Cueto, Cole Hamels, and James Shields pulling more interest than Scott Kazmir, a pitcher who’ll require less and perform better than four of five Boston Red Sox staffers. The team’s 4.39 ERA is one full run greater than Chicago Cubs’, and they’re filling gaps with high ERA veterans. The current A’s pitcher would immediately improve Boston’s rotation and provide a 1-2 punch of Scott Kazmir and Clay Buchholz. Not too shabby, but not nearly enough to beat down the Yankees, which means they need hitting.
Ben Zobrist is a steal. Get him.
In 10 seasons, Ben Zobrist averages 3.72 WAR (Wins above replacement). He would bring 21 postseason games worth of experience, a career filled with passing grades in batting and several All-Star appearances. He’d command next to nothing, and could be packaged with Kazmir for prospects and cash, maybe draft considerations and international slots. An added bonus for Red Sox infielders needing some rest is Zobrist’s ability to platoon anywhere.
Leave Hamels alone. Get Cashner instead.
Allard Baird watched Cole Hamels get pummeled Sunday, as did scouts from Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles. There’s few players Boston could scramble from their lineup – or their farm system – to hand over to Ruben Amaro Jr. that would appease him enough. Those not currently playing everyday baseball are injured, and those not injured aren’t developed enough. Red Sox fans would love Hamels in red and white, but the price point wouldn’t match his recent performance. Plus, he’s on the wrong side of 30 for an already aged team seeking youth to hang with New York. Andrew Cashner, for one, provides youth and an opportunity to ease Justin Masterson into his starting rotation spot. Maybe they’ll give Miley a rest, too, to clear his mind.
Of all current non-waiver trade deadline buyers, Boston has less to give away. Which means any moves they make (and several are needed) would need to be frugally decided. Although with Baltimore buying and signing Chinese talent of late, it could be too late for Boston Red Sox fans to get excited about – well, anything.
[Photo by Getty Images Sport]
