Aug 29 2008
Beckett In Flux, Red Sox Could Turn to 2005 Draftee Michael Bowden
Bowden has struck out 130 in 144 innings pitched at AA and AAA while walking only 29.
Red Sox Nation holds their breath following the crushing news in Boston yesterday of Josh Beckett’s visit to Dr. James Andrews. Considered the “surgeon of superstars,” Andrews is one of the specialists used when pitchers have serious elbow problems. He specializes in Tommy John surgery, a repair that would most certainly end Beckett’s 2008 season and most likely much of 2009.
Should the Sox lose Beckett for the remainder of this season, it would likely be the straw that broke the camel’s back. While Jed Lowrie and Coco Crisp have been able to fill in for injuries to Mike Lowell, Julio Lugo and J.D. Drew, replacing Beckett is something that seems impossible. Beckett, whose well known postseason successes are at thing of legend in Boston, combined with Curt Schilling, another postseason hero, are the two men who carried the team to their last two World Championships, and neither would be available should Beckett go down.
Boston would likely look within to replace their ace, although Tigers lefthander Kenny Rogers has cleared waivers and could be an option. Rogers has had limited success this season however, putting up a 9-11 record with an era north of 5. Most likely General Manager Theo Epstein would look to his minor league system to again come through for him. Clay Buchholz is the obvious choice as far as experience but he too has struggled mightily this year. While he has the talent to potentially step in for Beckett, his lack of command is a serious issue. Righthander David Pauley has had success at AAA Pawtucket, going 14-4 in 25 starts, but was shelled in his only major league start this season. Knuckleballer Charlie Zink also had great success for the Paw Sox, but he too was ripped in the Red Sox – Rangers shootout a couple of weeks ago.
Their other option is to look again to their bountiful 2005 draft and call up highly touted prospect Michael Bowden. The 6-3 righty has moved from AA to AAA and has been outstanding putting up a combined 2.62 era with just 29 walks in 144 innings. His command throughout his minor league career indicate that he is ready, and bringing him up for the stretch run could be a risk that the Red Sox will need to take if they want to have a chance this year.
