NEW YOrK -- It's well documented that the Red Sox haven't developed a pitcher of note since Clay Buchholz in 2007, but that may be changing.
Eduardo Rodriguez, who won his final start of the season Monday night -- increasing his record to 10-6 and lowering his ERA to 3.85, with a six-inning, seven-hit, one-run, five-strikeout performance in Boston's 5-1 victory over the Yankees -- may be on the verge of changing that.
And yes, the Red Sox can't be fully credited with "developing'' Rodriguez, either. He was signed and developed by the Baltimore Orioles, who then gave him up for Andrew Miller on July 31, 2014.
But Rodriguez made great strides last season and again this spring. And it's worth noting that the Sox identified Rodriguez from a group of Orioles prospects and insisted that he be in the deal. (According to a source, Jared Porter, who has since left the organization to join the Cubs, gets credit for recommending Rodriguez.)
The Sox gambled on keeping Rodriguez in the big leagues after he made what was supposed to be a one-and-done spot start on the final weekend of May. That turned out to be the right move, as Rodriguez gained invaluable experience over the last four months. Not so incidentally, he became the Red Sox' best starter in the process.
He'll begin next year as their best starter, too -- unless the Sox land a true front-of-the-rotation type through free agency or trade.
There's a tremendous amount to like about Rodriguez. He has velocity -- getting up 97 mph at points Monday night -- and a good pitch mix, led by his changeup, but with aided by a still-improving slider.
Boston Red Sox
If he can improve on his efficiency and get somewhat deeper into games, the Sox will have a young, controllable ace on their hands.