Aceves Not Comfortable As Red Sox Closer

The Red Sox bullpen has been one enormous question mark this year and now we hear that recently appointed closer, Alfredo Aceves is not comfortable with his role, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

In his latest edition of Cafardo’s Mailbag where readers submit questions to be answered by Nick, one question toys with the idea of making Daniel Bard as the closer.  Cafardo agrees and it is here that he states Aceves told Michael Vega, a Globe employee, that he is not comfortable being the closer.  Gee, that was kinda, sorta obvious from the outset was it not?  I mean, Aceves has settled down as of late but he’s clearly out of his element as the ninth inning guy.

Add in the fact that he was adamant about becoming a starter and was right peeved when Bobby V broke the news that he would be heading to the bullpen, this recent turn of events comes as no surprise.

The big question now is whether the Red Sox will listen to him and act upon it.  This is a club that is struggling with their identity right now and moving Aceves out of the closer role and back into his setup man position can only bring value to this team.  Make Bard the closer and recall Aaron Cook from AAA Pawtucket to bring up the rear of the rotation and let’s start winning some ball games.

There will be trades to be had later in the year and with the Chicago Cubs struggling like Kirstie Alley to keep the weight off, Matt Garza could become available for a fair price.

For now the Sox need to look in the mirror and admit that their well laid plan of converting Bard to a starter will have to wait a year.  Otherwise this will turn into a bridge year and it won’t be a pleasant ride.

What do you think the Sox should do with Aceves?

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