3) Former Red Sox player failing with his new team: Matt Barnes
It felt like Matt Barnes had the highest of highs and lowest of lows in Boston. There were times when it looked like he was impossible to hit, and there were other times when he couldn't get anybody out.
The Red Sox finally had enough when they DFA'd Barnes and wound up trading him to the Marlins for Richard Bleier. The new Red Sox southpaw hasn't been a great addition, but Barnes isn't doing much better in South Florida.
The veteran right-hander is primarily being used in low-leverage spots and has a 4.91 ERA in his first 11 appearances. Barnes has not earned the trust of new Marlins manager Skip Schumaker to pitch in higher-leverage spots, and the Marlins are 15-13 right now with Barnes being a non-factor.
Barnes does have a win, but has just one hold and no save opportunities. He's made two appearances in the eighth inning, most of his work has been in the sixth or seventh. Even with that, his ERA is approaching 5.00.
What I will say is with Chris Martin out, Barnes would probably be the third-best reliever on this team, which is frustrating to say the least. Barnes isn't missed in Boston, but the Red Sox bullpen is an issue.