PAWTUCKET – Following a 5-4 loss in his final start for Pawtucket before the All-Star break, Clay Buchholz was named Friday’s starting pitcher when the Sox head north to Toronto. (A pair of Toronto’s pro scouts were in attendance to scout Buchholz during Sunday’s outing, in which he gave up five runs (four earned) in 5.1 innings.) After the game, the 24-year-old righty had this to say about his promotion:

“The first time I ever got called up was the day before and I couldn’t go to sleep at night and had everybody calling me. At least now I’ve been there before…

“It’s going to be good, I’ve actually pitched in Toronto a couple times already. I know the atmosphere and I think it’ll be a fun day for me. I’m going to go out there and pitch like I’ve been pitching here and not really care about the results as much as everyone out there in the process of it. Like I said, it’s going to be a fun day…

“It’s going to be a nice little ride for me and we’ll see what happens from there.”

For the next few days leading into the second half, Buchholz plans to relax with his fiancee on Cape Cod.

9 Comments for “Buchholz Reacts to Promotion to Big Leagues”

1. redsox1935 Says:
   July 12th, 2009 at 8:14 pm

   He did not last three innings and walked six when headlined against Kazmir two weeks ago.

   This was a bad start. I am not convinced this guy is not a two to three year project.

   I would go for Halliday and trade anyone but Bard. However Toronto needs a closer.

   Maybe our triple AAA closer whois going great!

2. JayK Says:
   July 12th, 2009 at 10:50 pm

   Why now? and Why Toronto? Is C.B. being showcased for Halladay?

3. Zach R Says:
   July 13th, 2009 at 6:09 am

   This smells an awful lot like a showcase start. Last week the Red Sox scouted Halladay’s start in Tampa, and last night Toronto scouts watched Clay’s start for Pawtucket. If you ask me, where there’s smoke there’s fire. I think “resting the starting pitchers” is a convenient cover-up.

4. Mike Says:
   July 13th, 2009 at 6:58 am

   What is a “showcase start”? I’ve never heard anyone in baseball actually use this term, it seems like something created in the minds of media and fans. It’s a coincidence, Clay Buchholz is not getting traded for a year and half rental.

5. Pat Says:
   July 13th, 2009 at 7:50 am

   Of course it’s a showcase start. Any deal for Hallday would involve Buchholz so what’s the big deal?

6. Steven Says:
   July 13th, 2009 at 1:02 pm

   redsox1935,

   So he had a bad start against Kazmir. What about the 8 1/3 perfect innings (which ended up a CG shutout) he threw earlier? He’s getting bored in the minors. You need to keep the carrot in front of him to keep him motivated. This also gives the entire pitching staff an extra day after the all star break. It’s the best situation to bring him in and see what the kid’s got.

7. glenn fisk Says:
   July 13th, 2009 at 3:56 pm

   It could be a showcase,or it could be a test,to see how he fairs.If it is showcase,then the Sox have an interest in someone on Toronto,and it might not even be Holliday,but a prime bat.If it is a test,it could be to see if he can excelo in the bigs now,so someone else can be traded from the staff,for a big bat.whichever,I wish to applaude Buck for his chance.We should remember,that Epstien probably has a surprise or two coming(like Bay last year).The fun is about to begin!!

8. Zach R Says:
   July 13th, 2009 at 5:33 pm

   Mike, of course he’s not getting traded for a 1 1/2 year rental. Many people believe that if the Red Sox were to trade for Halladay, they would sign him to an extension.

   “Showcase start”, as in the Blue Jays want to watch Clay and see what he does against Major League hitters.

9. PP Says:
   July 13th, 2009 at 5:37 pm

   PERHAPS HE IS STARTING BECAUSE THE PITCHER FOLLOWING HIM IS BEING TRADED

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