Full Count
A Furiously Updated Red Sox Blog
WEEI.com Blog Network
Sox bull(pen)ish on Doubront? 08.31.10 at 7:53 pm ET
By

BALTIMORE — Part of the reason that Manny Delcarmen became expendable was that he had been bypassed by a teammate.

Delcarmen’s struggles forced the Sox to see if they could find viable alternatives to him. The role that he once occupied, helping to pass the baton to Jonathan Papelbon in games when the Sox had a middle-innings lead, was put up for grabs while Delcarmen was relegated to pitching in games in which his team trailed.

In dealing Delcarmen, Sox GM Theo Epstein explained that he’d been bypassed by other relievers, including Felix Doubront. In eight games as a reliever, the 22-year-old has a 3.12 ERA and a whopping 12 strikeouts in just 8 2/3 innings. He has walked only two batters in that time.

The Sox, Epstein said, still view Doubront as a starter for the long-term. But for the rest of this year, and perhaps even for next year, the team may have the left-hander work out of the bullpen.

As of now, the Sox have six starters under their contractual control for the 2011 season: Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz, John Lackey, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Tim Wakefield. While trades or injuries could alter the outlook, Epstein suggested that Doubront could follow a time-honored tradition of having future starters cut their teeth in relief.

“We like Doubront a lot. He’s had a really consistent development path through the minors as a starter, and we see him long term as a starter, but like a lot of starting pitchers, the first stage of his big league career might be as a reliever, especially in this organization,” said Epstein. “We have a full slate of starters coming back. We have some kids we like in the minor leagues, Doubront included. We think he’s a major leaguer at this point. As long as he continues his development, there’s a chance he’s here to stay. If the only opportunity exists in the bullpen, he’s certainly proven that he has a chance to be an effective one.”

Read More: felix doubront, Print  |  Email  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • http://www.givejonadollar.com givejonadollar

    I was a little shocked to see Manny go (Delcarmen, not Ramirez). :)

    I still think Felix is a bit wet behind the ears but hopefully things will work themselves out.

  • jason bay

    Another can’t miss prospect? Let’s all dance to the Red Sox spin. What’s the plan for next year? Let Beltre walk, trade Ellsbury, sign Cameron for 5 more years? Let V-Mart walk, and put in Saltamacia a guy who can throw bad to the pitcher. Bring back Wakefield to lose another 10 or 12 games with a ERA over 6. Watch Lackey and Beckett steal another year of salary. Two of the worst moves of the year. Watch Scutaro butcher another year at SS. This team has done nothing since Manny left, the curse of Manny is here

  • http://www.sigmakom.com/ Cari Oschmann

    I think so. I think your article will give those people a good reminding. And they will express thanks to you later.

  • http://pacquiaoversusmarquez3live.blogspot.com pacquiao vs marquez

    When I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you may remove me from that service? Thanks!

  • http://www.sportstvlivestreaming.com/pacquiao-vs-marquez-live-streaming/ pacquiao vs marquez live streaming

    Would you be involved in exchanging hyperlinks?

  • http://blackhatrealm.com blackhat seo forum

    Spot on with this write-up, I actually suppose this website needs far more consideration. I’ll in all probability be once more to read far more, thanks for that info.

Red Sox Box Score
Red Sox Schedule
Baseball Analytics Blog
Red Sox Headlines
Down on the Farm
Red Sox Minor League News
Red Sox Team Leaders
MLB Headlines
Tips & Feedback

Verify