Boston Red Sox 2008 Starting Rotation Preview

The Boston Red Sox are projected to have one of the best seasons in the American League for 2008. However, their rotation leaves us with a lot of questions. Here is a rundown of the Boston Red Sox starting pitchers for the 2008 baseball season.

1. Josh Beckett

Beckett, once better known for his blister issues, turned those issues aside last season to post a career year pitching for the Red Sox. If he can keep his blisters away, look for Beckett to have another great year. He pitched at least 200 innings for the second year in a row, and he averaged less than 2 walks/9 innings pitched. Not to mention, he has amazing stuff...on par with the strikeout leaders year after year.

Projection: 19 wins, 3.30 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 205 K's

2. Daisuke Matsuzaka

Matsuzaka's first year in Boston surely wasn't a disappointment, but the fans were probably looking for something a little better than a 4.40 ERA. Not to worry, Red Sox fans, Matsuzaka has the ability to break through in the ERA department if he can continue to make gains in his control. He averaged a little more than 3 walks every 9 innings last season, which isn't the greatest thing for a starter. However, he did post close to a strikeout an inning, so a lot has to be said for his ability to strike batters out. Look for a nice improvement over his first full big league season.

Projection: 17 wins, 3.85 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 220 K's

3. Tim Wakefield

Can the knuckleballer have another good season for the Red Sox? Sure, but his ERA is surely bound to balloon one of these days. Wakefield can surely win games, and can still put up a winning record: look for anywhere from 14-17 wins from the guy. His age (41) warrants a great amount of caution, though, so be very wary of Wakefield's ability to contribute as well as he has in the past. All that said, look for an ERA close to 5.00 this year for Wakefield, though he should still be a consistent winner for the Sox.

4. Jon Lester

Jon Lester, who battled and successfully overcame cancer, ended up playing a huge role in the World Series for the Red Sox last season. His name was tossed around often when the Red Sox considered trading for the all-too-well-known Johan Santana. Lester has nice strikeout ability, but he struggled with walks last season, so expectations for Lester in 2008 have to be curved somewhat. Look for an ERA around 4.50 and 10-12 wins from the young lefty. Give him time.

5. Clay Buchholz

Boston's top pitching prospect, Buchholz pitched a no-hitter last season in his first year in the MLB. Buchholz has incredible raw stuff, and he could post strikeout totals very close to the number of innings he pitches. If he can limit his walks, he will be great from the get-go. Look for Buchholz to rack up 12 wins, with a potential upside of 15 wins this season if he stays in the rotation for the entire year. Think about it...he strikes out nearly a batter an inning and walks around three batters per nine innings: is he the next Jake Peavy?