The Ted's Army crew has created a series of collectors items to write home about. To preview the 2012 Red Sox season, we have created player cards that you can collect and trade with your friends over a nice tall glass of iced tea. Sit back and enjoy part 2 of 4 of our season preview, the bullpen.
Alfredo Aceves will likely see time as a starter, set-up man, closer, and possibly a long-reliever. We were all on the same page and have a lot of confidence in Aceves in any role he takes on.
Ted's Army has made the decision to make Melancon the favorite as a replacement for Bailey. It makes sense since he is a closer. The uncertainty surrounding his ability to close is related to the type of environment he pitched in last season. Can he deal with the pressure of Boston? We think he can do a decent job.
Andrew Miller still has to build up his confidence as a starter, so the pen will be a good place for him. He is willing to do anything to stay on the roster so he will be holding nothing back.
Matt Albers...I've got nothing.
We give 2 big thumbs up to Andrew Bailey's recovery process. I hope you at least gave me a sympathy laugh. Depending on what type of procedure he undergoes, no one has any idea when he will return. We'll give him a mid/end-June return.
We are throwing Dice-K in here as a wild card. He is obviously a starter but there has been no clear word on when he will return. It could be as early as June or it could be July. For now, he can hang with the guys in the pen.
