Red Sox: What if Heathcliff Slocumb never got traded?
Slocumb in Boston
During the mid 90’s the Red Sox experienced both good and bad spells. In 1995 for example, the Sox came in 1st in the division only to get knocked out in three games in the divisional series against the Indians. In 1996 and 1997, the Red Sox were out of contention. In ’97 the Sox felt that if they could get a couple of young guys for Slocumb, it’d be worth it. Slocumb, who was 31 at the time of the trade, was in need of a change of scenery. It just wasn’t happening in Boston.
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Slocumb came to Boston before the 1996 season. Rick Aguilera had just left for free agency to go back to the Twins, the team that originally traded him to Boston. The Sox needed a closer. After seeing what he could do in Philadelphia, Slocumb seemed like he could be a good fit. He was 30 years old, three years younger than Aguilera, one factor already going in favor of the Sox. What the Red Sox ended up getting in the first year was just as expected but after 1996, he was a complete disaster. Nothing went the right way.
Slocumb ended up posting 31 saves in 39 chances and ended up going 5-5 with a 3.02 ERA. Not the best season on record but good enough considering everything. The Sox finished 82-80, good enough for 3rd in the division. 1997 brought other fortune however. Slocumb fell off quickly going 0-5 with a 5.79 ERA with 17 saves in 22 opportunities. Walks remained a major issue for him as his career in numbers in Boston looked below average at best.
Career Numbers
Record: 5-10
Saves: 48 (48/61 78.7% of saves converted)
Innings Pitched: 130.0
Walks: 89
Strike Outs: 124
ERA: 4.02
Slocumb after 1997 spent only one more year in Seattle before becoming a free agent and signing with the Baltimore Orioles. After his stint the O’s he spent time with the Cardinals and Padres before retiring in 2000.