Red Sox Trade Deadline: Potential bullpen targets flourish in All-Star Game
By Cody Collins
Under the bright lights in Miami, potential Red Sox trade deadline targets Pat Neshek and Brad Hand flourished during the MLB All-Star Game.
The All-Star Game presents a unique variety of opportunities for baseball fans around the country. Many fans enjoy the top-tier talent, while others learn about under-the-radar players for the first time. Boston Red Sox fans were presented with the opportunity to see potential bullpen help dominate in Miami.
Pat Neshek, who has already been linked to the Red Sox, threw a scoreless second inning. The 36 year-old is a potential mystery to many Sox fans since he pitches for the abysmal Philadelphia Phillies. Neshek did make in appearance earlier this season in a game against Boston, allowing a double to Chris Sale in May.
The Phillies set-up man entered the showcase early, but Red Sox fans may see him in the 8th inning very soon. The sidearm pitcher owns a 1.27 ERA and 9.2 K/9 this season, which would fit nicely near the back end of Boston’s bullpen.
Brad Hand is a left-handed reliever who Boston could acquire at the trade deadline. Hand has recently been linked to the Sox. Given the Red Sox and Padres prominent trade history, a deadline deal would not be very surprising. Sox fans haven’t been seen much of Hand, but many could get used to seeing him later in games.
The 6′ 3″ lefty exemplified his skills in Miami, capping it off with an exclamation point – getting All-Star MVP Robinson Cano to strikeout on three pitches.
Hand owns a 2.30 ERA and 11.5 K/9 this season with the Padres. With Robby Scott struggling of late, the Red Sox may be exploring available options for a southpaw.
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There is no guarantee that either of these two end up in Boston; however the All Star game provides a unique opportunity. This year, Sox fans may have seen a future bullpen asset represent a National League team in the midsummer classic.