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“This is actually the first healthy offseason I’ve had,” Bailey said. “Everything’s great. I’ve been able to get after it from Day 1, and I haven’t been able to do that in a couple years.”
Bailey has spent his career in the laid-back Bay Area, but he was raised in New Jersey and lives outside of New Haven, Conn., where his wife grew up. He said the prospect of returning to the Northeast would be appealing, not daunting.
“Everyone knows what it’s like to play in the bigger markets, in New York or Boston,” said Bailey, who has a 2.18 ERA, 25 saves and a 1.17 WHIP in 45 career appearances against AL East teams. “Me being from the East Coast and growing up out here, I think I have a good understanding of what’s expected of you from that regard.”
Herald | A's Andrew Bailey ready for anything
If we're really planning on using Bard as a starter, I'd much rather trade for Bailey than Gonzalez. The cost would be cheaper (hopefully just prospects, or at least just Jed Lowrie out of major leaguers) and then we can hang on to the Kalish/Reddick option in right field.
Bailey seems like an effective pitcher, although obviously there's a lot of variance among relievers, so he could easily fall off. But I like him better than the other external closer options at this point. I don't have any interest in Ryan Madson at his price point, and everybody else with closer experience is pretty old.
Bailey isn't an overwhelming strikeout pitcher (as far as relievers go), but he's strong enough. It sounds like he has the make-up to handle the job. Let's make a push for him, Cherington.
Herald | Shoppach catches on with Sox | Globe | Shoppach 'excited' to return to Red Sox | CSNNE | McAdam: Varitek's true legacy will shine in time | ESPNBoston | Red Sox, Shoppach agree
