Number 7
Boston Stats (2004-06): 13-9 W/L, 159 G, 178.1 IP, 168 H, 40 BB, 149 K, 1.17 WHIP, 47 SV.
Led the AL in saves with Oakland in 2003 before signing a three-year deal with the Red Sox. Just that one year justifies the contract. What is the price for curse-busting? With Foulke, it was similar to Uehara in that he had a masterful change. Injuries were his downfall. Being a hockey fan was a big plus for Foulke.
Number 6
Boston Stats (1948-55): 86-52 W/L, 365 G (89 GS), 1142.1 IP, 1086 H, 403 BB, 557 K, 3.28 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 93 SV.
Did not make it to the majors until he was 31-year-old, but the right-hander made up for lost time as a starter and reliever. Went 23-6 and led AL in shutouts in 1949. Eventually went into the bullpen and Kinder twice led AL in saves.
Number 5
Boston Stats (1997-2004): 70-55 W/L, 385 G (111 GS), 1037 IP, 1024 H, 312 BB, 673 K, 3.72 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 85 SV.
Led the AL in saves in 2000. Converted to a starter in a few years and won 21 games. Lowe had a devastating sinker ball. In 2004, it was 3-0 in the playoffs with the win in each close out game of each series. A very underrated pitcher who consistently finished among games started leaders in the NL.
Number 4
Career Stats (1977-89): 115-97 W/L, 637 G (85 GS), 1707 IP, 1858 H, 471 BB, 693 K, 3.64 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 132 SV.
Loved and hated – often in the same game, but “The Steamer” had a rubber arm and a noted sinker. Could close, set-up, start and go long innings – whatever was needed. In 1982, the total was 168.1 innings all out of the bullpen. In 1983, it was 145.1 innings.