Uh-oh and 1

I remember seeing that headline in the newspaper once when I was in high school. It was funny because that’s how Red Sox fans felt before the life changing 2004 season. Even after the first game of the year we were already expecting the worst, “Uh-oh, we’re 0-1.” It was the year the Sox had decided to go with the dreaded “closer by committee.” I think it was 2003 but don’t quote me on it.* Yesterday, the comparisons to that year and that headline were obvious.

With our longtime closer Jonathan Papelbon leaving for Philadelphia (without Sox ownership even making him an offer), ace setup man Daniel Bard being moved to the starting rotation and new closer Andrew Bailey out for 3-4 months before pitching in a single regular season game, our bullpen was already in upheaval. Still, with former Astros closer Mark Melancon on the roster as well as lifetime 24-3 record holder Alfredo Aceves, it wasn’t entirely in disarray. That is until the games started.

Yesterday was a battle of two aces: Jon Lester versus last year’s AL MVP & Cy Young Award winner, Justin Verlander. The Sox were down 2-0 heading into the top of the 9th but with Verlander finally out and the Tigers’ closer on the mound they were able to push across two runs to tie the game. Then came trouble. Manager Bobby Valentine sent out Melancon to start the bottom of the 9th. He gave up two hits while only getting one out and Valentine quickly pulled the plug and called in Aceves. He promptly hit his first batter with a pitch and then allowed the game winning single. Boo.

I have two things to say about this. First, this has nothing to do with not having Papelbon or Bailey. As closers, managers tend to save them until their team has a lead. In a tie game, it would be up to the setup guys. Which is why the problem really lies with Daniel Bard. If he hadn’t been moved into the starting rotation, even though he hasn’t started a game since 2007, he would have (likely) come in and held onto the tie. Instead we got the L.

Maybe this is a one-time thing. Melancon and Aceves are still getting into regular season mode and a little early rust can be expected (Remember, the Tigers closer gave up 2 runs to allow them to tie it up). Or maybe this is foreshadowing the rest of our season. Maybe no lead will be safe with our bullpen butchering things. There was already a rumor floating last night that the Sox were looking at Kevin Gregg of the Orioles to trade for and shore up the bullpen. Whether that’s true or not is another story but it shows that even GM Ben Cherington thinks this is a bigger issue than just one game. It’s a cause for concern. Uh-oh and 1.


*Now you can quote me.