The 2012 Boston Red Sox were a disaster. Four starters made over 20 starts for the team, and all four of them posted ERA over 4.50, WHIP over 1.320 and Clay Buchholz was the only one not to tally double-digit losses.
Fixing the rotation should be at the top of the priority list for an organization still boasting Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz and (for now) Jacoby Ellsbury. Coming off of 2012’s blockbuster salary dump, it seems unlikely the team will pursue any of the top free-agent starters.
It would not be a surprise to see Boston move Ellsbury in exchange for top pitching prospects or young major-league ready starters, however, it may simply trade one weakness for another, as Ellsbury would leave a gaping hole at the top of the order, as well as in center field.