Clay Buchholz has been struggling as a starter for the Red Sox, but his ceiling is through the roof. He can become a valuable commodity once he gets his act together. It’s no wonder why the Rockies are asking for the highly-touted right-hander. The drop from the AL East to the NL West is huge. Buchholz would certainly excel in his role playing home games at Coors Field. He will be pitching against the likes of the Giants, Diamondbacks, and Padres.

The Denver Post has reported that the Rockies have asked for Buchholz in exchange for reliever Brian Fuentes:

“The Rockies are playing an intriguing game of poker with closer Brian Fuentes. The price is high, causing most interested teams — the Tampa Bay Rays, the New York Yankees and Mets, the Boston Red Sox and the Florida Marlins — to consider other options. Colorado wants a premium starting pitcher, a fair demand save for the fact the teams interested in Fuentes see him as a two-month rental, not a long-term solution. All already have closers, and Fuentes is determined to test the market before considering signing somewhere as a setup man.

A team source said the Rockies have asked for Rays Double-A starter Wade Hendrickson, the Yankees’ Ian Kennedy, the Red Sox’s Clay Buchholz or Mets minor-leaguer Jon Niese. Florida is monitoring Fuentes but is reluctant to part with a young starter. The price for Fuentes has left teams taking a longer look at Oakland’s Huston Street.” (Denver Post)

It’s obvious their asking price is way too high for Fuentes. I don’t see the point in trading away an uber-prospect for a decent reliever. The Sox should give Justin Masterson a shot at supplying effective relief-duty in the bullpen.

Settle the issue with your club, Red Sox. Don’t go out and trade for a reliever. Especially if the asking price is similar to this.