They don't have a hole to even fill. They are going into the season with a rotation of the 5 guys in my sig- Beckett, Matsuzaka, Wakefield, Buchholz, and Lester. That should be a well above average rotation. Colon is nothing more than a spot starter, unless he somehow is lights out in exhibition games, in which case Buchholz would start the year in AAA, conserving his innings which are going to be limited to about 190 or so. You don't seem to understand that the only way Colon even sees time on the roster is if he's pitching at a level close to his 2005 form (unlikely) or there's some injury. In either case, he wouldn't be taking innings away from a more deserving young pitcher just because he's Bartolo Colon.
no, i understand that its for insurance, nor am i saying its the worst sign ever. i just dont see how much insurance he is. i mean its great to say hes a former cy young but he hasnt pitched over a 100 innings the last 2 seasons. i mean i suppose he could have some sort of miracle recovery but reports from espn say he was throwing 90 in the caribbean series. all im saying is even if someone in the rotation was hurt id rather give a young player from inside the organization(masterson/bowden) a shot. its not like these are mediocre minor leaguers or that this is a former cy young who just happened to go unsigned. i suppose the best thing about the deal is that its a minor league contract with no guarantee.
Neither Masterson nor Bowden are ready. Buchholz is the only pitcher who is ready to make the transition to the majors this year, unless Craig Hansen has figured things out over the winter (unlikely). I'd rather see the young guys developed at the right pace instead of rushed to the majors due to an injury and ruin their development.
This is very encouraging... Topping out at 96 and his control has been there all spring. This move is looking like it might pay off.
That COULD be a big addition to Boston. It's low risk, pretty high reward. He can be a solid starter if he's healthy. Still several if's, but that's encouraging if you like Boston.
