Red Sox Should Sell Penny, Buy Buchholz

When working the bar about a month ago, Phillies scout Jim Fregosi, Jr. stopped in for a bite to eat after scouting Red Sox starting pitcher Brad Penny. Fregosi laughed as he talked about the vast depths of Boston's starting pitching. Coming from a scout of the defending World Series champions, his comments made me very happy to be a fan of the Sox. Boston's starting rotation consists of Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, John Smoltz, Tim Wakefield, and Penny. The Sox also have Daisuke Matsuzaka on the disabled list and top prospects Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden waiting in Triple-A. I believe it is time for Theo Epstein to trade Penny to a team in search of pitching help in order to make room in the majors for Buchholz. Penny has been a good fifth starter (6-4, 5.02 ERA) but there is no way that I want to see him on the mound in October. He is just too inconsistent. However, there are a number of teams - the Phillies, Brewers, and Rangers come to mind - that could use Penny in their rotation. In return for Penny, who will be eligible for free agency in November, the Red Sox could add a decent prospect. It will be better than getting nothing for him this winter. Epstein could then use that prospect to make a trade to add a much needed bat to the lineup. A trade of Penny would also make room in the Sox rotation for the talented Buchholz. Buchholz was a disaster in Boston a year ago (2-9, 6.75) but the soon to be 25-year-old has been outstanding in Pawtucket this season and based on his solid outing Friday night in Toronto, he looks like he is ready to help the Red Sox right now. For those of you worried about dealing away the pitching depth that has made the Red Sox a first place team, they would still have Matsuzaka and Bowden waiting in the wings should Buchholz falter or a current member of the staff struggle or face an injury. On the positive side, Buchholz could potentially be an option in the playoffs for the Red Sox. Right now they are counting on Smoltz and Wakefield come October but both of them are on the wrong side of 40 and injuries are a strong possibility to become an issue. Buchholz could go from Pawtucket ace to playoff hero in the same season if needed.