overrated.. agreed.

but please.. he still struck out more than 8 batters in 9 innings.

he also throws two fastballs, curve, change-up (used to be a "show me pitch" but becoming better with a combination of two-seam fastball), and cutters (from 2008).

of course, there's growing pains adding more arsenals (ineffectiveness of cutter in 2008, loss of control in 2009, etc.)

he maybe came to boston as an AJ Burnett-type two pitch pitcher but he's evolving and re-inventing himself for longevity. main concern would be his health, IMHO.

hit location split says (from baseball-references)

2009 LHB tOPS+ (Pulled: UpMidd: Opp = 87: 131: 183)

2008 LHB tOPS+ (P: U: O = 255: 87: 152)
"6 homers" from pulled-ball by LHB, almost the possibility of pitching tipping.