We will continue to spotlight the Red Sox starters with today's profile: Clay Buchholz. Buchholz will enter the season with a secure spot in the rotation, unlike last year, and at the age of 25 will look to shed his "top prospect" status and evolve into the reliable major league arm that the team envisions him to be. We will focus on his 2009 statistics, his career highs in parentheses, and a 2010 outlook.
Games Started: 16 (new career high)
ERA: 4.21 (new career high)
WHIP: 1.38 (new career high)
Wins: 7 (19 - 2007)
K's: 68 (72 - 2008)
Innings Pitched: 92 (new career high)
Batting Average Against: .256 (new career high)
Pitches/Game Started: 95.1 (new career high)
2010 Outlook: When Buchholz arrived in the big show, he found immediate success, tossing a no hitter in just his second career start. The young man that many had pegged as an immediate superstar came into 2008 over-touted and under prepared, posting a 6.75 ERA and a measly 2-9 record. Banished to Triple-A for his poor performance, Buchholz resurfaced with the big league club in the second half of the season and performed much better, posting a 7-4 record with a 4.21 ERA.
After expectations were tampered for the youngster, Clay showed up to Spring Training this season bulked up at a beefy 198 lbs. The hard-throwing righty is looking to prove his doubters wrong in 2010. Buchholz even changed his number from 61 to 11 this season as he goes for a complete self-rejuvenation. Last year's strong finish (September ERA of 2.85) was very encouraging, and the former top prospect is in a make it or break it year. It is crucial for Buchholz to cut down on his walk total and pick up his strike out numbers if he hopes to sustain success throughout the course of the season.
Previous Previews:
Jacoby Ellsbury
Dusin Pedroia
Victor Martinez
Kevin Youkilis
David Ortiz
J.D. Drew
Mike Cameron
Adrian Beltre
Marco Scutaro
Josh Beckett
Jon Lester
John Lackey
Next Up: Daisuke Matsuzaka
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