Revamping the Red Sox Bullpen to match rotation’s growth

Aug 14, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello (22) delivers against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello (22) delivers against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 12, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Fernando Abad pitches during the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Fernando Abad pitches during the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Fernando Abad

The other porous link in our bullpen is the newly acquired Fernando Abad. The chart below compares Abad’s performances in Minnesota and Boston:

Fernando Abad 2016 Values with Minnesota August Values W/Boston
HR% 1.4 5.0
ERA 2.65 9.00
FIP 3.43 6.39
BB% 10.1 10.0
K% 21.0 15.0
IS/IR 11 IS, 29 IR 4 IS, 5 IR
IS% 38% 80%
BAA 0.220 0.333
WHIP 1.21 2.00

Relative to his performance in Minnesota, Abad is allowing HRs at nearly quadruple the frequency in Boston. His FIP and ERA values in Boston range from double to triple the values they assumed in Minnesota, he is walking nearly as many batters as he is striking out, and he has allowed 80% of Inherited Runners to score.

Abad’s BAA and his WHIP have increased to Rookie Ball type numbers, and said values cannot be allowed to be exhibited in a major league contest, especially for a team fighting for a postseason berth.

Next: The Solution