Pitching wins World Series titles. Let me expand that. Pitching and defense wins championships. Though a team must have enough offense to support the arms, it will most likely finish ahead of a ballclub that scores a multitude of runs (unless, of course, that team has superb starting pitching; but there is currently no team that does both).
This is why Theo Epstein is wise to think twice and even three times before trading Clay Buchholz, and even Michael Bowden. Now that the Red Sox did not spend part of the money saved from the departed contracts of Manny Ramirez and Curt Schilling on Mark Teixeira, they are once again candidates to sign Derek Lowe. Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe also writes that the Sox are still interested in Japanese right-handed starter Kenshin Kawakami. Hopefully, Boston is at least looking into signing Ben Sheets if the talented but injury-plagued pitcher would accept a two-year deal.
Regardless of whether the Red Sox sign one of the aforementioned pitchers, or bring in someone like Brad Penny or John Smoltz, it would be ideal if they do not trade Buchholz or Bowden for a catcher. Even if Jason Varitek returns, chances are Epstein will acquire a young catcher to serve as the backup and give the captain more rest. Obviously, Jarrod Saltalamacchia is the most heralded target, but would it be better to send Buchholz to Texas for Salty, or Daniel Bard to Arizona for Miguel Montero (the Sox could also get outfielder Eric Byrnes from the Diamondbacks, who are anxious to slash payroll). Or, maybe Boston could get Kelly Shoppach (who was once Boston's catcher of the future) without having to surrender Buchholz or Bowden.
Montero and Shoppach are appealing candidates, but they are not as highly touted as Saltalamacchia. Yet it might make more sense to give away less to get Montero or Shoppach because of Luis Exposito, who is a very promising offensive and defensive catcher in Boston's farm system. Exposito, though, will likely open the 2009 season at advanced Single-A Salem (Va.), and he is at least two years away from the big leagues. That would be perfect timing - bringing back Varitek for two years, letting him tutor a guy like Montero, and setting up a competition between Montero and Exposito in 2011.
Understandably, trade discussions with the Red Sox always center around Buchholz, Bowden, Justin Masterson, Lars Anderson and Josh Reddick. This off-season, Bard, Nick Hagadone and Stolmy Pimentel have also generated interest. Boston has an array of promising relievers out of college (including Richie Lentz, Kyle Weiland, Stephen Fife and Bryan Price) The organization can afford to deal Bard. It is easier to find a quality set-up man than talented depth for the rotation.
Though I have wavered on whether Boston should trade Buchholz for Saltalamacchia, I understand Epstein's reluctance. buchholz has already proven he can dominate major league hitters. It's only a matter of time when he will do so on a consistent basis and become a top of the rotation starter. Bowden has good stuff, too, and scouts believe that he could be a solid No. 3 starter. It would be more palatable to lose Bowden than Buchholz, but still Epstein should carefully contemplate any deal involving the 21-year-old right-hander.
There is no doubt that the Red Sox would benefit from another veteran starting pitcher, preferably on a short-term deal (of no more than two or three years). My preference is Sheets or Kawakami. Still - with the big three of Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Daisuke Matsuzaka; Tim Wakefield; and the young guns Masterson, Buchholz and Bowden - Boston has more talented starting pitching depth than most teams.
As I write this today, the Red Sox do not have a catcher, but the eight other spots in the batting order are occupied. Regardless of who starts behind the plate, Boston will have a formidable offense from top to bottom, so this ballclub does not require a big bat at catcher. The rotation will be strong. The bullpen is improved. The defense is exceptional. So my thought is this: bring back Varitek, and if Texas will not accept Bard and a starting pitching prospect other than Buchholz or Bowden for a young catcher, find a team that will.
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