Will the bullpen sing the blues?
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Mike Timlin was told by the Red Sox team doctor that he needs to wait two more days before he resumes throwing, but Theo Epstein is not concerned. Julian Tavarez surrendered two more runs in yesterday's 3-2 loss to the Pirates, but Epstein is not worried. "Julian Tavarez is just getting ready for the season," the Sox GM said.
Mostly, I share Epstein's serenity about the bullpen situation. I think the middle relief and set-up men will be effective, as long as that combination includes Hideki Okajima, J.C. Romero, Brendan Donnelly, Joel Pineiro (who is getting accustomed to his improved mechanics) and Kyle Snyder. Like a majority of Sox fans, I'm not confident about Tavarez in a relief role. I like him as a No. 5 starter, but not in the bullpen. I think the Sox should consider trading him to a team that needs a No. 5 starter. I would rather see Bryan Corey, Craig Breslow, Javier Lopez and even Craig Hansen than Tavarez.
As I have written before, I think the only obvious question mark in the bullpen is the closer. I will reiterate my opinion that the Sox should give Snyder or Donnelly a shot, or acquire Chad Cordero or Taylor Tankersley.
I read in today's Globe once more about the Sox alleged interest in Armando Benitez, and the fact that Kason Gabbard and Snyder have appeal for teams who need back-of-the-rotation starters. I strongly believe that Gabbard will have a successful big league career as a No. 5 starter or a long reliever. Snyder is better suited for the bullpen. Unless the Sox use them as bargaining chips to get a quality closer (Benitez does not qualify), I think Snyder and Gabbard should be part of the team's long-term plans.
I wouldn't mind Donnely at closer. I really think they should just throw Hansen in the role at the beginning of the season. His upside is greater than any of the other relievers, but obviously he is still young. I know he struggled last year, but I also saw a few dominant performance by him. I like Snyder in long relief. He has the stuff of a starter but not the endurance because of all his past injuries.
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If I say that I'm going to tell you where I'd like to see Tavarez, I'm confident that 98% of y'all know that it does not involve the Sox. I think I'd like to see him anywhere, on any team other than OUR SOX.
ps... on the JD drew front, I see that he went long the other day to put us over.. Good Job JD.. (see everyone, I'm really trying to adjust)
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lol. I think Trot will always be near and dear to Red Sox Nation, but Sox fans will quickly adopt Drew. He will put up some big numbers.
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I agree that Drew will put up big numbers if he stays healthy. There will always be people on base in this lineup. If he hasn't been motivated in the past, the pressure has to bring out the best in him, right? When he was on the Dodgers he had the most pressure on him when Nomar was out. He was the most talented player on that offense for Nomar's DL stints. Now he is the third most talented. So while their may be more pressure in Boston, there is less pressure from a baseball standpoint.
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