Julio is on the DL, after an excellent ST in which he showed his old stuff, but is needing rehab following surgery on his miniscus. Dontrelle also showed his old great stuff during ST, but has been sent to the minors to rehab issues “between his ears” (sic) .
I recently heard the argument that baseball, more than any other team sport, is a “one-on-one” highly public activity: pitcher vs. batter, batter vs. fielder. Baseball players, unlike basketball or football players, have no place on the field to hide. The focus of both teams, the fans, the media is always on the one performing . . . pitching, hitting, fielding, throwing . . . in a game that moves slowly, deliberately rather than at speed, so the glare is intense, and nerves and confidence issues often influence the game.
Failure often follows success due to such issues. It is equally common for players to regain their mojo and have phenomenal careers if given the environment and opportunity to do so. Clay Buchholz’s performance this ST is a perfect example.
This may be a perfect time to revive the “trade Julio for Dontrelle” talks, even in a 3-way deal. Julio wants to start. It may not happen in Boston. It is probable that Julio could find a starting job while this incredibly deep and supportive group of players, and savvy staff, could get Dontrelle back on track by mid season, and be fully ready for 2010. Never enough pitching.