Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling aren’t exactly on the same page when it comes to Clay Buchholz.
Schilling expressed doubt earlier this week over whether Buchholz can become the Boston Red Sox’s ace, citing a lack of commitment mentally and physically. Martinez, who, like Schilling, knows a thing or two about aces, sees things a bit differently.
“I think it should be really important for him,” Martinez told MLB.com this week about Buchholz being named the Red Sox’s Opening Day starter. “I think it’s also going to help a lot with his intensity, and I think his level of concentration is going to increase.
“It’s got to be an honor for him to do that, and I hope he takes it the same way and uses it to his advantage.”
Schilling’s biggest issue with Buchholz seemingly stems from the pitcher’s laid-back demeanor. Buchholz rarely shows fires on the mound, which some have interpreted as a lack of passion.
The 30-year-old explained Thursday his mild-mannered approach is by design, though, as he strives to stay on an even keel regardless of whether he’s pitching well or pitching poorly.
Schilling didn’t discredit Buchholz’s physical tools. And neither did Martinez, who told MLB.com the right-hander was his Cy Young front-runner in 2013 before missing three months with an injury.
“He’s a freak,” Martinez said. “He’s a guy that can move the ball to any side of the plate and do it effectively. I think Buchy has all the tools that any pitcher wants to have. It’s just a matter of him staying healthy and being able to put all those things on display.”
Buchholz said following his final spring training tune-up that he’s “night and day” compared to where he was at this point last year. The veteran hurler is healthy and confident, meaning he immediately can let loose rather than pitching conservatively because of injury concerns.
“Mentally, it’s so tough on us after you get hurt, because you’re always aware that something could happen, and it stays in the back of your mind,” Martinez told MLB.com. “I’m pretty sure that competing, he’s going to get rid of it. The more he competes, the more time he spends out there … I think posting a complete season and having success in a season, I think all that could be quickly erased and he can have a new mindset about it. It’s hard to do, and it takes a while to actually feel comfortable with it.”
Buchholz’s career has been a roller-coaster ride to this point. It’s make-or-break time for Boston’s de facto “ace,” and it’s interesting to see the wide-ranging opinions on his potential to thrive.
Thumbnail photo via Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports Images
