Adding another veteran presence and Cy Young Award winner like Colon is a no-brainer for Manager Terry Francona and GM Theo Epstein. The move could do wonders for the young staff while providing depth to a rotation that is solid, yes, but questionable when it comes to the stability of its younger members.
“It takes more than five starting pitchers to get through a season,” Epstein explained.
Bartolo Colon has pitched recently, seeing action earlier this month in the Caribbean World Series, so he should have no problems coming to camp this week and stepping right into the program.
Colon is the second former Indian draft pick and minor league project that the Sox have picked up this offseason. They signed (former) slugger Sean Casey earlier this winter to fill the role of “off the bench lefty” hitter.
Casey could provide Kevin Youkilis with some spells at first. His presence could also allow Youk some time at his natural position in the hot corner, third base—giving Mike Lowell a rest if necessary.
The worst case scenario: All Colon will do is push the younger pitchers harder to earn their spots in the rotation. The best case scenario: He will become a stable 3-5 starter in the rotation come April.
In any case, it’s a good move and should prove worthwhile for all involved as the Boston Red Sox prepare for a valiant, and feasible, attempt at back-to-back world championships.
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