After landing Sale and Thornburg in trades, Red Sox seem well-stocked on mound

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - When Red Sox manager John Farrell sat down for his gathering with reporters late Tuesday afternoon, the first question asked was, "Who is going to be your opening day starter?'' Farrell laughed. "It's only Dec. 6,'' he said. "There's time to figure it out.'' There's also an impressive list from which to choose, especially after the Red Sox on Tuesday acquired pitcher Chris Sale from the Chicago White Sox in a deal that included Boston's top prospect, Yoan Moncada, going to Chicago. Sale, who turns 28 in March, was the White Sox's franchise pitcher and a five-time All-Star who finished in the top six in each of the last five American League Cy Young races. Sale also has four 200-inning seasons, including a league-leading 274 in 2014. He's also been among the league leaders in strikeouts and complete games. So Farrell could choose Sale. But he could also chose David Price, a $217 million pitcher and former Cy Young winner, or Rick Porcello, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner. The rotation also has two other lefties, Eduardo Rodriguez and Drew Pomeranz, and right-hander Clay Buchholz, who could end up on the trading block. And knuckleballer Stephen Wright, a righty, is in the mix. This is the second consecutive offseason the Red Sox have acquired an elite lefty. They signed Price to his seven-year deal last year. With Sale, the Red Sox get a pitcher that will make $12 million, $12.5 million and $13.5 million in each of the next three seasons - a bargain by today's standards. But the Red Sox paid plenty to have Sale's inexpensive contract, considering the $62 million - in signing bonus and luxury tax - they invested to get the Cuban-born Moncada, a switch-hitter. "Boston's like the Golden State Warriors now,'' Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told The Boston Globe. "They've got their (Kevin) Durant (to go with) their (Draymond) Green, (Klay) Thompson and (Steph) Curry.'' Farrell isn't complaining. He said that Sale's attitude and personality would have an influence across the field for the Red Sox. The Red Sox also acquired relief pitcher Tyler Thornburg from the Brewers and reports also said they agreed to a one-year contract with Mitch Moreland, who will apparently play first base with Hanley Ramirez taking over at DH for the retiring David Ortiz. Thornburg, who had a 2.15 ERA and 13 saves in 67 games for the Brewers last season, has a high-90s fastball and will beef up the setup core that defines the bridge to closer Craig Kimbrel. But after a postseason where bullpen arms were at a premium and former Nats closer Mark Melancon received $62 million to play for the Giants, the Red Sox are building their rotation as well as their bullpen. Farrell is pleased that Porcello established himself. He said that Rodriguez is becoming more consistent and Wright is getting back on track after late-season injuries. "David Price, obviously, and that's not to leave out Drew Pomeranz and Clay Buchholz,'' Farrell said. "There's a surplus, but when you think about the high end of it, it's an exciting group.''