Every year, there is one player that shows up for Spring Training with something to prove.  They are typically more motivated, in better shape and more eager to get on the field.  This year, it looks to be Clay Buchholz.

Buchholz has been near flawless thus far in spring training and he looks like he’s bringing it!

Last season, Buchholz went 17 and 7 for the Red Sox with a 2.33 ERA.  That is pretty good… VERY GOOD!  With a little more offense, from the Red Sox, he probably would have ended up with 19 or 20 wins. 

If Buchholz improves on last year’s stats, it’s going to be hard to call any one pitcher an “ace” without some serious arguments!  Between Beckett, Lackey, Buchholz and Lester, there is some serious competition for the Ace role.  Also, Wakefield probably won’t go the entire season making starts, but he might make a couple.  And don’t forget Daisuke… when he is healthy, he can be a real asset to the pitching rotation.

The Red Sox have compiled a very competitive pitching staff this year and with improvements in the bullpen, the Sox should have a pretty good defensive year!