Dice-K needs to be traded. After his extensive criticisms and his inability to perform after the WBC, how do you comfortably keep him around? He could get a fair return, and with his contract, I think you make every attempt to move him.
1. The "extensive criticisms" never happened. What did happen is he spoke with a friend of his about what was said at the meeting with Sox management. It was supposed to be off the record. Nothing that was said is anything he hadn't already discussed with Francona and the rest of the staff. He since made a public apology, in English no less, and both he and the team have moved forward. 2. He came into the season in terrible shape, mostly due to the WBC and partly due to not working all that hard over the offseason. Reports now say he's in the best shape he's been in since joining the team. His performance should be better. 3. He has a full no trade clause and his contract is VERY reasonable. He's only making $8.6 million a year and is coming off a season where he was 18-3 with an ERA under 3. If he comes anywhere CLOSE to that over the next 3 season on his contract, as the third starter on this team, he's not only acceptable but one of the best bargains in baseball. He's not going anywhere.
Trading him right now would be stupid. His contract (by itself) isn't that bad and his value is almost definitely what it should be right now. The last two years he was at worst a solid number three starter and you can never have enough of those guys... Trading away someone like this only to see him rebound next year would be a lot worse than missing out on whatever B list prospects he would bring in.
A few weeks ago I said Bard was performing at a super human level and he then proceeded to blow a couple games in a row. Then during the Yankees series I said Ortiz was finished and would be of no use. So today I say that Buchholz will never get his head on straight and will never be an important part of any successful team.
The BABIP gods sure looked kindly upon Tazawa in his last start. The Yankees were peppering balls of the monster all day but he bore down (or the hitters choked) in tight situations. A mediocre 5 ip 3 run performance is fine tonight Junichi, just don't go all Smoltz on us.
dude, you dont still have your eyes on the division do you? hahaha c'mon bro. You guys are like wildcard professionals!
Yeah because now every time they are in a blowout and need fodder to eat a few innings they can throw him in instead of some guy who will be dfaed once the game is over.
