Doubront is likely to be traded either this offseason or at least before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, who cited two general managers as his source.
Since being signed as an international free agent in 2004 at the age of 16, Doubront smoothly rose through the ranks of the Red Sox' minor league system as a starter before being converted to a reliever in the second half of the 2010 season in order to help the big club.
He performed admirably in the role but the team has remained non-committal about whether Doubront returns in the pen in 2011 or continues his progression as a starter at Triple-A Pawtucket. Additionally, as Rosenthal is quick to reference, the departure of former pitching coach John Farrell takes away Doubront's biggest supporter.
Often, when asked about Doubront, manager Terry Francona would say that Farrell "loved" Doubront's ability.
Doubront, 23, was named the team's Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2010 after going 8-3 with a 2.81 ERA in 17 games split between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket. He was 2-2 with a 4.32 mark in 12 games — three starts — with Boston.
There would most certainly be a market for a young lefty with quality stuff who can perform multiple roles on a staff. Perhaps the Red Sox are very willing to test that market in order to improve their club elsewhere.
