June 17, 2008
Zink Don't Stink
The Red Sox have a knuckleballer finding success at AAA, Charlie Zink.
Two weeks ago, his schedule was altered so he was pitching on the same days Tim Wakefield was. And with the Red Sox possibly in pursuit of the Indians' C. C. Sabathia, Zink could prove a valuable trading chip.
"That knuckleball that he has, he can pitch in the big leagues right now," Pawtucket's pitching coach, Rich Sauveur, said. "There are teams in the major leagues right now that could use him in their starting rotation. It's just a matter of somebody trusting him to be a starter."
If the Red Sox should decide to promote him, they'll have to double Kevin Cash's salary.
Posted by David Pinto at
08:49 AM
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Zink has been something of a disappointment for years, as he has struggled with the knuckler. He's now 28 years old, which is old for a regular prospect -- but Tim Wakefield was barely established at the same age. Phil Niekro had his first good year at 28, and Hoyt Wilhelm didn't even make the majors until he was 29. So Charlie's right on schedule for a 15-year career as a knuckeballer.
And yes, they should double Kevin Cash's pay.
Boy would the Sox be fun to watch with two knuckleballers this year.
I am rooting for smoltz to come back post surgery as a knuckler for one last push for 300 wins...
Tim Wakefield's contract has to be one of the most unbelievably great deals. He has a 1-year rolling contract for $4 million, and he hasn't had an ERA+ under 100 since the year 2000. Above league average production for 150-200 innings/year.