Clay Buchholz

2013

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2012

Buchholz suffered a back injury in June and was never able to return to pitch in 2011, finishing with just 82.2 innings over 14 starts. He was pitching well when the back injury cropped up, signaling his stellar 2010 season wasn't a fluke, though there are some warning signs within his numbers. His strikeout and walk rates were pretty average for the second straight season, while maintaining a low BABIP. He's not dominant and we may see some regression as the luck swings the other way, but he's still young and learning how to work through major-league lineups. The 27-year-old righty will remain one of Boston's top three starters and benefits from a strong lineup behind him.

2011

Buchholz emerged as a top starter in 2010 after a couple of stumbles to begin his career. He didn't have problems with runners on base like he had in 2009, holding opponents to a .202 average with runners on (.161 with RISP) last season. He also increased his velocity (to an outstanding 94.1 mph) while maintaining a solid ground-ball rate (50.3 percent of balls in play). But there are some worries as he didn't have a great strikeout rate (6.22 K/9IP) or walk rate (3.47 BB/9IP) and a low .265 BABIP. He may see some regression in his ERA as a result. However, at age 26 and with strong run support behind him, he should be one of the top starters in the AL.

2010

Buchholz was a different pitcher at the major league level in 2009, when compared to his disastrous 2008 experience in Boston. He dominated the International League for Triple-A Pawtucket from April to July -- so much so that he went public with his frustration over not getting a callup to Boston, which was rolling with veterans Brad Penny and John Smoltz at the time of his comments. Buchholz finally got his chance in July when Boston called him up after Smoltz imploded. At Pawtucket, Buchholz established the confidence needed to throw all of his pitches and that carried over to the major leagues. There were a couple of rough outings here and there, but he had very impressive stretches, including a six-game span in which he went 5-0 with six runs allowed in 40 innings. At this stage, he'll be in the mix to be the team's No. 4 starter, but he could be moved as Boston is looking to acquire another bat (Adrian Gonzalez).

2009

Buchholz regressed badly in 2008, beginning the season in Boston's starting rotation before hitting the disabled list and going down to Triple-A Pawtucket. The Red Sox have been tinkering with his mechanics, in specific his arm angle, and getting him to have more confidence in his fastball. His return to Boston after the All-Star break ended the same way as his stint at the start of season, only he was demoted to Double-A. He performed better in the Arizona Fall League, but is still struggling with command. If Boston doesn't end up trading him, he'll compete for the fifth spot in the starting rotation this spring.

2008

Buchholz was overpowering at every level right up to his no-hitter against Baltimore in early September. He's got a mid-90's fastball with good command and has the secondary pitches to be a dominant starter in the majors. The Red Sox have been unwilling to give him up in deals, and he'll be in their rotation at some point during the season, if not in April.

2007

Buchholz was named the Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2006 for his work in Single-A at Greenville and Wilmington. In 119 innings (24 starts), he allowed 36 runs while striking out 140 and walking 33. He's a cool customer on the mound, pitching well in pressure situations. He throws a four-seam and a two-seam fastball, a slider, curve and a circle change. He's probably ready to make the jump to Double-A Portland, but the club may wait until the warmer weather hits Maine before assigning him there. Buchholz is expected to hit the majors in late 2008.