3 former players who could follow Andrew Bailey to the Red Sox
By Drew Koch
2. Andrew Bailey could recruit LHP Alex Wood to the Red Sox
Admittedly, there is some risk when it comes to pursuing Alex Wood. But that's true of almost every pitcher in Major League Baseball. However, Wood has been moderately healthy over the past few seasons, and at the right price, it may make sense for the Boston Red Sox to take a flier on the southpaw.
Wood has been around for quite some time. The former All-Star has spent much of his career on the West Coast - pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. But Wood also spent an injury-plagued season in Cincinnati as well.
The last three years have been relatively good for Wood. The left-hander posted a combined ERA of 4.41 and saw time as a starter and a reliever. Having a swingman like Wood in the rotation would allow Boston to bring along some of their more highly-coveted pitching prospects a bit more slowly.
The Red Sox could also choose to use a pitcher like Alex Wood as a piggyback starter - either on the front end or the back end in order to give manager Alex Cora three to four good innings.
Wood does a nice job of keeping the ball on the ground and keeping the base paths clear of free runners. At nearly 33 years old, he's not going to cost an arm and leg, and isn't as risky as swinging a deal for a pitcher through a trade either.
No, Alex Wood isn't going to be the Boston Red Sox Opening Day starter, but if he can eat some innings, bring a veteran presence to the clubhouse, and help Andrew Bailey convey his pitching philosophy to the team's young hurlers, this could be a valuable signing.