Red Sox Rumors: Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz and Trade Talks

Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine shot down rumors that said the Red Sox would look to trade Josh Beckett and send Clay Buchholz down to the minors.  Rumors of potential change have been flying amidst the Red Sox early season starting pitching struggles.  Still, Valentine told Alex Speier of WEEI.com that he’s “not aware of any trade talks involving either the acquisition or dumping of a pitcher”.

Entering the 2012 season, there were question marks surrounding the Red Sox rotation.  However, these questions were being asked about the back-end of Boston’s starting staff.  Most around the game thought that the Red Sox would field a starting three that could compete with most major league teams; Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz.

Unfortunately for the Red Sox, all three of these pitchers have underperformed so far this season.  Lester is leading the team in ERA and WHIP, but his totals (4.29 and 1.36) aren’t overly impressive.

Beckett and Buchholz have been absolutely abysmal.

Over his first six starts, Beckett has only mustered an ERA and WHIP of 5.97 and 1.38.  In his last start, Beckett lasted 2 1/3 innings against the Cleveland Indians, surrendering seven runs on seven hits with two walks over that span.

Buchholz has managed to turn in a worse performance than Beckett over his seven starts.  Prior to last night’s start, Buchholz had allowed at least five earned runs in each of his first six starts.  Buchholz’s 8.31 ERA and 1.97 WHIP has some wondering if the Red Sox will look to demote their right-hander.

However, Valentine said he doesn’t know of any plans to shake things up with his major league roster.  Some feel that a trip to the minors would do Buchholz well.  However, if Buchholz were to be sent to the minors, he would first have to be exposed to optional waivers.

Some of these same critics believe a change of scenery would do Beckett well.  Even if Valentine didn’t deny these rumors, there’s no way Beckett is being traded anytime soon.  His trade value is basically nil with his current level of production, and Beckett is still owed nearly $45 million over the next three years.

Of course, the Red Sox could look to acquire a starting pitcher.  However, until Boston is able to show signs of life with their current set of players, what good would it be to add another player to this disaster?

For more on the Red Sox be sure to check out BoSox Injection.

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