 |
| (Photo: KYODO) |
Now that
Masahiro Tanaka has been set free by the
Rakuten Golden Eagles, the question comes as to whether the Red Sox should pursue him. In 2006, Boston shelled out a total of $103 million for
Daisuke Matsuzaka. And, while he was frustrating to watch in his final years, he
did contribute mightily to the 2007 World Series Championship. Was it worth $103 big ones for one ring? It's hard to say 'no' to that one. For this reason—and many others—Boston
should enter the bidding for Tanaka. While the team's starting pitching depth is impressive, we all know how quickly that cushion can evaporate.
Jon Lester is coming up on an extension decision,
John Lackey is not getting any younger and
Clay Buchholz is still
"a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma" (with apologies to
Sir Winston Churchill). Moreover, all the kids on the farm who have 'limitless potential', are crapshoots at best. Lastly, anything
Ben Cherington can do to drive up Tanaka's price for
The Evil Ones, Dodgers, Angels or Rangers is a good thing. So, we say,
go for it! Bring in a 25-year old who might make it a little easier to get one or two more rings. Hey, it's not our money—at least until season ticket money is due.
