Boston Red Sox: A Two Ace Off Season?
By Dan Orencole
The Boston Red Sox entered the off season on a high note. That being said, in baseball today, pitching is essential. Even with a very promising end to the season, the Red Sox still need to get an ace or two this off season.
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Boston has the pieces they need to trade for an ace and also the payroll they need to acquire an ace in free agency. While one ace on this staff would be a huge boost, the Sox can make a major splash by getting two aces. This offseason market features two specific pitchers that Dombrowski should target right out of the gate. These two pitchers are David Price and Jordan Zimmermann.
Price has pitched in the AL East before, and this season he is back in the AL East following a mid-season trade to the Toronto Blue Jays. Price may be having his best season yet in his career. At 30 years old, Price has shown he has plenty left in his tank.
Sep 21, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher David Price (14) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
A hard throwing pitcher, Price also has off-speed stuff that should keep him as a top pitcher even if his velocity drops as he ages. A guy who has dominated the AL East throughout his career, Boston should do everything in their power to get him. Price is the ace that Boston should go after. It won’t be cheap, but Price could hide a lot of issues with this Boston Red Sox’s roster.
Zimmermann is not flashy whatsoever. He does not strike out batters like Price does. However, he is as consistent a pitcher as there is in baseball. He has a career 3.32 ERA. This year, Zimmerman had a 3.66 ERA and might be had at a discount compared to what he would have been valued at after his 2.66 ERA last season.
Right now, the Red Sox’s rotation is filled with question marks throughout. Adding Price and Zimmermann at the top of the rotation knocks everybody else down two pegs, taking the pressure off.
The Red Sox need consistency in the rotation, and pairing Zimmerman with Price would bolster this pitching staff into one of the best in baseball, especially if Porcello returns to form and Eduardo Rodriguez continues to improve in his second season.
Next: Red Sox: Five Potential Free Agent Targets