Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
John Farrell is wasting no time bringing order to the Red Sox.
On the same day the team acquired Joel Hanrahan from the Pittsburgh Pirates, the new manager informed Hanrahan’s fellow two-time All-Star closer Andrew Bailey that he will enter spring training as a set-up man.
The decision was more about what Hanrahan does well than anything Bailey has done poorly, and Farrell felt it important to be up front with both players from the get-go.
“(Hanrahan’s) performance pretty much speaks for itself,” Farrell said. “This is a multi-year All-Star closer. We went into the offseason with the goal of improving the team however we could. We didn’t go in precisely looking to add a closer, but the Hanrahan addition to a strong bullpen makes it that much stronger as we stand here today.”
Herald: Manager's decision: Bailey to set up
Well that didn't take long! Farrell doesn't want to have a competition at Spring Training, he's making everyone know what their roles are now so they can use Spring Training to prepare in that role.
This decision is more due to Hanrahan having better stuff to be a closer, his fastball & slider are incredible, a huge reason he's close to averaging 10 K's per nine innings over his career. Bailey could be used as a solid set up man.... unless he gets shipped out. I would actually hope he stays and just adds to the depth of quality pitchers in this bullpen. Bailey is due for a bounce-back year and could thrive in the set up role.
Hell if Daniel Bard can re-emerge as a decent seventh inning option... (what? crazier things have happened!) Even if that doesn't happen, the bullpen is set up to be a source of strength for this team and unlike last year, actually hold some leads this season.
Rest of the Links: Globe: Farrell names Hanrahan closer | Melancon had "no regrets" | Herald:Sox recall 1st dose of Hanrahan | CSNNE: Sox have been talking to Adam LaRoche | Holt a good addition | WEEI: What we learned about Hanrahan deal | Farrell tells Bailey Hanrahan is the new closer | Farrell: Bailey 'a pro' on new role | Schilling belongs in HoF
