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MLB: Power Ranking All 30 Major League Starting Rotations

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Feb 19, 2014; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) chats with the pitchers including Doug Fister (58) (in blue) in spring training action at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2014; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) chats with the pitchers including Doug Fister (58) (in blue) in spring training action at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 12, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz throws a pitch during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz throws a pitch during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

The knock on Boston’s rotation entering the 2015 season is that they lack a true ace, which makes them the most discussed destination for Cole Hamels. Interestingly enough, 30-year old right-hander Clay Buchholz will make his first Opening Day start against Hamels and the Philadelphia Phillies Monday.

After an outstanding yet injury- shortened 2013 (12-1, 1.74 ERA in 16 starts) Buchholz struggled last year. He had two complete game shutouts, but allowed 101 earned runs in 152.1 innings (5.98 ERA) across the rest of his 26 starts.

Speaking of complete game shutouts, Rick Porcello had three in 31 starts in a breakout 2014 with the Tigers. He joined the Red Sox rotation following an off-season trade involving slugging outfielder Yeonis Cespedes. The 26-year old Porcello will handle the No. 2 spot in the rotation.

Justin Masterson and Wade Miley are two pretty-good-but-not-great options for the third and fourth spots in the rotation following bellow average seasons. Knuckleballer Steven Wright – who was sold this spring (2-0, 2.60 ERA in 17.1 innings) – will hold down the fifth spot in the rotation, at least until Joe Kelly returns from a right bicep injury or Boston deals for Hamels or another starter.

Next: 19. Miami Marlins

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