How have the Red Sox young hurlers done since THE TRADES? If you go on stats, not very well. Through Saturday, Rubby De La Rosa, Brandon Workman, Anthony Renaudo and Allen Webster have made 49 starts. Their record is 12-23 with a 5.06 ERA and only 6 strikeouts per 9 innings. The latest disappointment is De La Rosa, who has faded badly after a good start.
But numbers do not tell it all. Between them, the four hurlers have 19 quality starts. Though not a huge number, it shows they have had some good moments. Another factor is the length of their seasons. Of the four, only Workman has put in significant time in the majors and some of his chores have been in the bullpen.
The biggest issue, however, would seem to be the hitting futility as a whole of the 2014 Sox. Rarely have they established early leads, and most of those have been one or two run margins. Dozens of times they have been held to 2 runs or fewer. This can produce pressure, especially on a young hurler. How often have these four men been staked to 4 or 5 run leads? Practically never. When a pitcher, especially one trying to get into the rotation, has to be nearly perfect just to stay close, something is wrong.
The young guys have given a creditable- though very erratic- performance so far. With the possible exception of Workman, all should still be her competing for spots next spring.
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