Boston Red Sox
Francona insists Buchholz’s woes will come to end
07:26 AM EDT on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
CHICAGO — In an effort to boost his confidence and reaffirm their own support, manager Terry Francona and pitching coach John Farrell met with struggling starter Clay Buchholz yesterday, a day after Buchholz had failed to get an out in the fourth inning and lost for the fifth time in his last six outings.
“We’ve been so committed to this guy,” said Francona. “We’re trying to help him. Last year (when Buchholz no-hit the Baltimore Orioles in his second major-league start), it looked easy; it’s not. So we’re trying to help him (and at the same time) not beat him over the head.”
Buchholz maintained Sunday that he pitched well despite being rocked for five runs on seven hits in three-plus innings.
Francona politely disagreed, saying that while Buchholz’s stuff was generally good, the execution didn’t always match.
He and Farrell made the point that Buchholz was experiencing some of the same growing pains that Jon Lester did the last two seasons. This season, Lester may be the team’s most consistent starting pitcher.
“There are some similarities,” said Francona, noting that as recently as early this season, Lester was still having trouble sustaining a consistent tempo on the mound.
Mostly, Francona wanted to deliver the message that the organization remains committed to Buchholz.
“I think he’s handled himself really well,” said Francona. “He’s trying to do the right things. It’s (all about) experience.”
|
More top stories
Red Sox 8, Mariners 4: It's Seattle's turn for a bullpen implosion
Six Red Sox players -- including Wakefield -- headed to St. Louis for All-Star Game
Most Viewed Yesterday
A gangster’s tale: New Dillinger film is close to the truth, Brown prof. says
Providence to host Fourth fireworks
Tough times prompt 3 communities to cancel July 4 fireworks shows
Most active surveys
Why do you think Sarah Palin is prematurely stepping down as Alaska's governor?
Does Tim Wakefield deserve to be an All Star?
Is Jonathan Papelbon capable of eventually reaching 500 saves, as Mariano Rivera did?
Most e-mailed in the last 24 hours
Reader Reaction










You must be logged in to contribute. Log in | Register Now!
You are logged in as screenname | Log Out
You are logged in, but do not have a "screen" name. Create a Screen Name