Blog is Back 8/7

Sorry for the (very) long layoff between posts, but I'll be updating more frequently from now on. There's a lot to cover but I'll start with the "bust" talk which is so far from the truth it's ridiculous. Expectations for this season were certainly high (and probably unfair) due to the no-hitter last year. Clay is just 23 years old and still showing a lot of promise even if the results aren't quite there yet. His arm slot was changed from almost completely over the top to more of a 3/4 arm slot (though not completely 3/4). The move was made to add some zip on the fastball and hopefully improve his command. He's striking out nearly a batter an inning and still displaying a devastating change-up and curveball combination. He needs to use his fastball more as hitters are starting to hit the breaking stuff since they are sitting on those pitches. He also has been a bit of a victim of a high BABIP so when that comes down to earth I believe the results will be much better. 

Buchholz @ Toronto 4/5/08

Here we are back for another season! The Red Sox are now World Champions and Clay is starting off the season on the big league club. He made his first start of the season yesterday, and despite what the box score might indicate, he pitched pretty well. Clay's line for the day was 5.0 IP, 6 hits, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K. His change and curve both looked very solid, and he mixed in a number of sliders throughout the afternoon. Matt Stairs had zero chance of hitting anything off Clay, striking out 3 times. The defense behind Clay was a bit rough, but after struggling in spring training, Clay came out with a pretty strong performance. It remains to be seen if Boston will keep Clay on the major league roster or send him down to AAA for a while.

Buchholz @ Toronto 9/19

Clay making his 3rd major league start, but picked up the loss. He pitched pretty well however, going 4.2 innings, 5 hits, 2 runs, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K. He was pulled out after 68 pitches, which was disappointing, but understandable. They are definetly trying to keep him around the 155 inning limit they set for him. Ran into his trouble in the 5th when he let up the 2 runs. Opponents hitting just .184 off Clay and Clay is striking out 8.74 batters per 9 innings.

Buchholz @ Baltimore 9/6

Clay making his first Major League relief appearance against the Orioles who he no-hit in his last start. He went 3 innings, 1 hit, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K. Control was way off to start as he started the first batter with a walk and gave up a single to RF. He then walked the next batter to load the bases. However he got a timely double-play to help escape the inning without any runs allowed. He retired every batter after loading the bases and picked up the win. Stuff was solid as he settled in and consistently hit 93-94 with the fastball. Clay now 3-0 on the season.

Clay Buchholz vs, Baltimore 9/1

NO-HITTER! Unbelievable performance from Clay in just his 2nd major league start, no hitting the Baltimore Orioles. He pitched 9 innings, 0 hits, 0 ER, 3 BB, 9 K and a HBP. Had all his pitches working tonight, and fitting that he ends the game on a filthy curve. Clay becomes only the 3rd player in MLB history to pitch a no-hitter in his first or 2nd major league start. He finished with 115 pitches after having a previous career high of 98. GM Theo Epstein said they were highly considering taking him out if he got around 120 pitches, luckily that wasn't necessary. Congrats Clay, what a game!

Buchholz @ Buffalo 8/22

In his first start back from the majors, Clay wasn't on his game. He struggled with control and gave up a run in each of his innings of work. He went 3 innings, 4 hits, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K and came out after 63 pitches, most likely in a move to limit his innings for the season. Clay looks to bounce back tonight against Rochester.

Buchholz vs. Anaheim

Clay made his Major League debut on Saturday and picked up the win. His first start was up against a first-place ballclub and against Cy Young candidate John Lackey. But the Red Sox got to Lackey early and Clay held the fort down for a nice debut. He went six innings, 8 hits, 4 runs, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K. His change-up stood out the most as it was practically unhittable all day. He struggled with control early on but got better as the game went on, most likely due to it being his first start. Curve was inconsistent but threw some nasty hooks for strikes at times. Fastball ranged from 91-93, touching 94. Overall impressive start, Clay was optioned back down to Pawtucket after the game as planned.