Do the Sox actually have a legitimate rotation?
The Sun-Times and the Tribune both have written stories about the Sox’ rotation today, looking at the notion that the Sox’ rotation is going to be a team strength.
This isn’t a crazy notion. After all, the Sox were sixth in the AL in ERA last year, ranking second in K:BB ratio and fourth in K/9IP. The team’s 2008 pitching staff was not crappy.
But to expect that to happen again forgets a couple of factors:
- One year does not an ace make. John Danks and Gavin Floyd combined to ppitch over 400 innings (and 300 strikeouts) and notch an ERA under 3.75. Both had previous problems in the big leagues and to assume both will pitch like they did in 2008 is probably foolish. It doesn’t mean they won’t do that, but to count on it is not smart.
- No more Javy Vazquez. As much as fans were annoyed by Javy, he was a valuable pitcher for the Sox last year. His 4.67 ERA wasn’t anything to write home about, but he gave the team more than 208 innings with a nice 8.64 K:9IP ratio. Those are quality innings left to a combination of Jose Contreras, Bartolo Colon, Lance Broadway and Clay Richard.
- The final two starters’ spot is mostly up in the air. Those four guys above are slated, as well as Jeff Marquez and possibly Aaron Poreda, to fit into the final two slots in the rotation. None of these guys are reliable. Richard was a crap starter last year, Broadway’s minor league numbers don’t portend and MLB success and the Contreras/Colon team is not to be trusted to be healthy.
Look, having all these guys means that the Sox might find two good players to fill the final two spots. Sox GM Ken Williams did a good job acquiring a million guys with decent talent. That’s wonderful. And, of course, I understand the nature of spring training stories (“the fat guy got thin,” “the skinny guy got strong,” “all the pitchers learned new, awesome pitches,” etc.).
Still, let’s curb that enthusiasm, Sox fans.
