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The Clay Buchholz rumors are flying again.
The Red Sox are interested in a big hitter, like Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers or Adrian Gonzalez of the San Diego Padres.
Trading for either Cabrera or Gonzalez would likely involve a huge package of young players, almost definitely including Clay Buchholz.
Buchholz has taken steps back from his no-hitter in September of 2007. But down the stretch in 2009, Buchholz was great, anchoring the Red Sox staff behind Josh Beckett and Jon Lester.
His 2009 ERA was a decent 4.21. He went 7-4 and had an opponents batting average of .256 with a WHIP of 1.38.
Not stellar numbers for Buchholz, but definitely passable.
Most of all, Buchholz is just 25 years old, turning 26 late in the season. His prime is ahead of him.
Cabrera is 26, and will be turning 27 a few days after opening day of the 2010 season. Gonzalez is 27 and will be turning 28 a month after the 2010 season will start.
I know it's not a major age difference, but Buchholz's best years are still ahead of him, while Cabrera and Gonzalez might have peaked early.
Plus as they say, great pitching always beats great hitting. Buchholz is potentially a great pitcher. I'd rather have the Red Sox stop runs then pile them on.
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