Boston Red Sox bullpen rankings: Top 21
By Rick McNair
Number 11
Boston Stats (1996-2000): 25 – 25 W/L, 170 G (59 GS), 495.1 IP, 476 H, 220 BB, 432 K, 1.40 WHIP, 68 SV.
When the Red Sox signed the right-handed Gordon to a contract it was as a starter and a very questionable one (for me) at the time. Gordon was converted to the bullpen in 1998 and had one of the finest years any Sox reliever ever posted finishing up with an AL-leading 46 saves. Gordon was small (5’9”) and could throw quite hard. That 1998 season blew his arm out and he missed all of 1999. Had a few good years closing in the NL.
Number 10
Boston Stats (1967-71): 22-17 W/L, 260 G, 331.1 IP, 294 H, 133 BB, 275 K, 2.85 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 69 SV.
What were they thinking? High up on the charts for poor trades getting a fast fading Danny Cater in exchange. What a great deal for the Yankees! The left-handed Lyle became a three-time All-Star in New York.
Number 9
Boston Stats (1990-92): 8-9 W/L, 150 G, 153 IP, 146 H, 42 BB, 109 K, 3.41 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 88 SV.
Reardon – a right-hander – was a local guy who signed with Boston after establishing himself as one of the premier relievers in the AL. A three-year deal for six million dollars. A hard thrower with a nice cutter. Reardon was an All-Star in 1991.
Number 8
Boston Stats (1988-90): 12-7 W/L, 139 G, 168.2 IP, 138 H, 79 BB, 209 K, 3.04 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 58 SV.
Prototypical big, hard-throwing bullpen closer. Brought to Boston via a trade with the Cubs and had 50 saves, but also 14 blown saves. Took a big loss in game two of 1988 ALCS. Traded away in 1990 and led the league in saves three times after the trade. Finished with 478 career saves.