There's no doubt young pitching is more valuable these days. Pitchers are developing and hitting their primes faster than in the past, and blowing out earlier (probably because they're throwing harder than ever). But that said, I think the real debate is whether the staff would be more balanced with Lester. Dickey is not the prototypical wily veteran of a staff by all accounts, mostly because his story and repertoire are not relatable to the other pitchers. So if Buerhle is traded, the staff needs a leader who's been there. I know it's hockey, but look at the Edmonton Oilers - there's something to be said for expertise. Being there before has value.
Also, prospects fail. We can expect at least one of Sanchez, Norris, Hoffman, Osuna to bust hard. If you have an opportunity to get a guaranteed top of the rotation pitcher at an acceptable price (even if you are swallowing hard, it's free agency after all), then you do it. Especially if it weakens the BoSox.
Also, prospects fail. We can expect at least one of Sanchez, Norris, Hoffman, Osuna to bust hard. If you have an opportunity to get a guaranteed top of the rotation pitcher at an acceptable price (even if you are swallowing hard, it's free agency after all), then you do it. Especially if it weakens the BoSox.
