BEUHRLE ANYONE?

Yesterday, The Boston Herald reported that, "baseball sources," confirmed that the Boston Red Sox are interested in Chicago White Sox ace, Mark Beuhrle. Beuhrle, 28 years old, is one of the best and most consistent pitchers in the majors. The southpaw has great command and throws a low 90's fastball, complemented by one of the best changeups in the game and a cutter that he often uses as his out pitch. He has an amazing pick off move. Buehrle is also very durable. He has started at least 32 games a season, since he
became a full time starter in 2001. This season he is 4-4 with a 3.39 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. He threw a no-hitter against Texas on 4/18/07.

If the Red Sox were to add Beurhle, they would have the best rotation in the bigs, hands down. Also if Curt Schilling's arm is worse than he is indicating, the Sox will need another high quality arm (Beuhrle) to pitch every 5th day for the stretch run. Come on Red Sox fans; don't tell me you wouldn't drool over a playoff rotation of Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Schilling and Beuhrle.

There are two issues that would have to be addressed in order for the Sox to acquire Beuhrle.

Issue #1: What prospects would Boston give up?
- Sources indicate that Chicago would want at least one top tier prospect: Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, Jacoby Ellsbury. Logic indicates that the Sox would also need to include one of their second tier prospects: Michael Bowden, Brandon Moss, and Jed Lowrie. All of these players have bright futures, but the only one that I consider untouchable and would not trade for Beuhrle is Clay Buchholz. Sorry but there isn’t going to be a Kason Gabbard and Moss for Beuhrle deal. To get value, one needs to give value.

Issue #2: Beuhrle is an unrestricted free agent after this season.
- The front office will not give any value to the White Sox for Beuhrle without a contract extension. The draft pick compensation gained if Beuhrle walks at the end of the season would not be worth, a deal involving quality players, f/e Ellsbury and Bowden. I would not give Beuhrle anymore than 5 YRS/60 mill.

While a Beuhrle acquisition would help Boston, it would be a very complicated acquisition to make. I would rate the chances of the Red Sox acquiring him at 30%.

- QUESTION: If you were Theo, what prospects would you be willing to give up to acquire Beuhrle and what kind of contract would you sign him to?

Random Notes

- Josh Beckett was brilliant yesterday, outdueling Jake Peavy for his Major League leading 11th win. Beckett pitched 8 innings, giving up 2 earned runs and tying a season high by striking out 8 batters.

- RIP, Rod Beck. Rod Beck sadly passed away at his home in Arizona on Sunday. Beck played 14 Major League Seasons including 3 with the Red Sox from 99-01. Beck saved 286 games in his career and was a very down to earth man and great professional. He will never be forgotten.