Revamping the Red Sox Bullpen to match rotation’s growth

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Aug 9, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Matt Barnes (68) pitches during the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

The Solution

I have spent much of this article calling for a reduction in the leverage of the situations in which Abad and Tazawa are summoned to pitch. Anyone can articulate what one does not want to happen; however, a comprehensive position requires a proposed solution.

With the injury to Steven Wright, Clay Buchholz moves from the bullpen into the starting rotation, leaving us with a seven-man bullpen consisting of Craig Kimbrel, Matt Barnes, Brad Ziegler, Robbie Ross, Heath Hembree, Tazawa and Abad.

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The proper occupants for certain bullpen roles will be elucidated in this section. According to my plan, Tazawa and Abad will be relegated to game situations in which the Red Sox are either ahead or behind by four or more runs.

We would now be left with five viable bullpen arms: Kimbrel, Barnes, Ziegler, Ross and Hembree. Kimbrel remains the closer, assuming that he is healthy enough to pitch well. I strongly advocate that the eighth-inning becomes Barnes’ assignment, and I would give Ziegler the seventh inning duties. By clarifying the roles of Barnes and Ziegler, giving both of them ownership of a particular inning and eradicating any questions as to when they will be inserted into the game, they will be prepared to perform.

By allowing our best arms to close out the game, we ensure that any comeback by the opposing team after six innings can only be accomplished by rallying against triple-digit gas or a quirky submarine delivery that has proven successful.

As for Ross, he can be utilized as a situational lefty, and I have no problem with him completing an entire inning against both left-handed and right-handed batters.

Lastly, Hembree can float throughout the game and be inserted at any point where his style might be most effective.

Personally, I would rather have seen Joe “Wild Thing” Kelly back as opposed to Hembree, although, in fairness to Hembree, he does have better numbers. Nonetheless, I refuse to believe that Kelly and his 102 mph gas could not be an explosive weapon for any team, let alone one fighting for a playoff berth.

If Farrell or Willis cannot figure out a way to harness such a brilliant arm, then perhaps they belong in Pawtucket, and not masquerading as MLB instructors in the great Bay State.

Next: Red Sox not ready to move Andrew Benintendi in the lineup

In conclusion, we have the weapons to mimic the Kansas City Royals’ run to the 2015 championship; the only question that remains is whether or not we have the manager bold enough to mimic Ned Yost.

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