Why Is Boston Making A Run At Burnett?

Just days ago it appeared Boston wouldn't make a big splash in the expensive market for free agent starting pitchers, that apparently has changed.

Several sources have said the Red Sox have gone heavy into the chase for AJ Burnett.

What could have caused this? It probably all points towards the rumors of Tim Wakefield leaning towards retirement being true.

If Wakefield does retire there would be a big hole in the Red Sox rotation that Boston would need to fill either in free agency or from within the organization.

With Boston likely already going with one young pitcher from the system in the rotation they probably feel the safer route for the other slot would be a proven veteran, and that's where Burnett enters the picture.

Boston had and probably still does have interest in having Derek Lowe return to Boston, but probably not at the price he is reportedly seeking, Burnett while likely commanding similar dollars is younger the Lowe so in a way a safer bet.

Boston is also said to be in the running for Kenshin Kawakami, a Japanese free agent pitcher who could slot into the back of the rotation, by signing Kawakami and a veteran like Burnett, Boston could keep Justin Masterson in the bullpen helping strengthening it for the 2009 season or using him in a deal to land a catcher from Texas.

Should Wakefield retire, Boston could also move past having a special catcher on the roster for him, they could then have a younger guy like Jarrod Saltamacchia playing more often and giving Varitek more rest.

If I had to make a guess right now, I would lean towards Varitek having already thrown his last pitch. Being after Burnett points that way.

Update 11:34PM: Here's a look at how the pitching staff would look if Boston signed Burnett and Kawakami.

Rotation
Josh Beckett
Jon Lester
Daisuke Matsuzaka
AJ Burnett
Kenshin Kawakami

Burnett could slot in at #2 and move Lester down to #4.

Bullpen
Jonathan Papelbon
Justin Masterson
Manny Delcarmen
Ramon Ramirez
Hideki Okajima

Boston would have two bullpen slots still to fill. It's unlikely, but possible Daniel Bard could win a spot in spring training, but its more likely he would be someone added mid season.