Conflicting comments, conflicting claims, conflicting time frames—those are the basic elements that make up
The Great Clay Buchholz Conundrum of 2013. What the heck is the truth? On the one hand, it appears pretty evident that every medical expert from
Dr. James Andrews to
Doogie Howser, M.D. (who may actually
be on the Red Sox medical staff) says Buchholz is
physically OK. Except, according to Buchholz, Andrews
also told him he could expect to make only "4 or 5" more starts in the regular season. Huh? According to the Red Sox plan, the righty is supposed to throw three bullpen sessions, a simulated game and at least one rehab start (likely at AAA Pawtucket), and then......(you would think) re-join the Red Sox rotation. That would amount to a lot more than "4 or 5" starts. So, what is Andrews talking about? And why doesn't
somebody in the Red Sox hierarchy clear this up? Obviously, whatever the truth is will have an impact on whether the team looks for another starter in the trade market.
What does
John Farrell say?
"I look at it as those three phases along the way and whatever date that brings us to. Clay will be on the mound when he's ready. I think it's premature to start to forecast any kind of time range." Thanks for clearing that up!
Calling Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine, Dr. Howard!
