The knuckleball isn't knuckling; the fastball can't reach 75mph; the changeup barely makes it to the plate. Everyone has figured him out. If the pitch starts at the waist, take it because it will be low. If it starts at shoulder level, it will come down right across the plate, so be ready.
He has back problems, especially the last 3 years. Strikeouts are down, hits are up; ERA is approaching 6.00 and he is 3-8 and should be 3-13. The time has come for this Red Sox legend to step away from the game with some dignity. He no longer eats innings for the team. He can't get out of the 3rd inning anymore. His role according to Francona was always that he was an " innings eater ".
Putting him in the bullpen is not an answer. He is taking up a roster spot no matter where he is. He has been a real soldier for this team, but the time comes for everyone to leave the game and his time is now.
He has been a Red Sox pitcher for 16 years and he is 20 games over .500 for them in that time. That means each year he has one more win than loss on average. This is when he was good. Now he is terrible. Terry Francona needs to take a good hard look at the aging veterans on this team and start making some tough decisions.
The team is 8 games out now in the loss column and can't beat Oakland. This road trp could be the last straw. He does not need to pitch again. Put him on the 60-day disabled list and let that be the end of him. That's pretty much what they've done to Lowell. What's the difference?
Stats don't lie!!!!! Wakefield's stats are bad, getting worse every time he pitches and loyal Red Sox people want to dwell on the past. Thanks for the memories Tim.....it's time to go away. Tim, you are a stiff, officially.
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