The only fortunate part of the Gagne deal is that the Red Sox didn't give up any real prospects to get him. Not only were Murphy and Gabbard mediocre prospects, they didn't have a place in the Red Sox organization either. Ahead of Murphy stood Brandon Moss and Jacoby Ellsbury. Ahead of Gabbard stood a lefty with higher upside - Jon Lester.
As for Gagne however, it's clearly time to give him the Rudy Seanez treatment. Gagne was never a necessity. Before the Red Sox signed him, they already lead the league in bullpen ERA. Perhaps Gagne will turn things around, but at this point that's something he should have to prove from the front of the bullpen, not the back. The Red Sox can't afford to keep pitching Gagne. He's already lost 3 games in 7 appearances. If not for Gagne, the Red Sox would likely own an eight game division lead.
The reason the Red Sox signed Gagne in the first place was to lighten the load for Hideki Okajima. And it was good to see them protect Okajima. With five more appearances, Okajima will have set a career high in that category. The Red Sox will now have to find another pitcher to spell Okajima down the stretch. It's not as if that will be an issue however.
Take your pick. You've got Delcarmen, Timlin and Snyder, all with an ERA of 3.50 or better. Either Delcarmen or Timlin would likely be more than sufficient in setting up Papelbon. If I was the manger I'd go with Timlin. Timlin had 19 years of experience in the role coming into this season and lately he's been lights out. In his last 17 outings, he's allowed a run in only one of them. Delcarmen has also been very good but he's been pitching the 7th inning lately and I like him just fine there.
Francona has a history of being stubborn with bad relievers. Hopefully it won't cost us too many games down the stretch this year.
2 comments:
Man, could not have said it better myself. After he blew those saves in Baltimore it was clear that Gagne needed to be pitching when a game was out of reach or to maybe to relieve a starter who had a bad day or just come in against maybe one batter he has good career numbers against. It's all hindsight but still, it was obvious he wasn't right in Baltimore.
I also agree that Gagne is a luxury and not a neccesity. We had an outstanding bullpen before he came and both Timlin and Delcarmen have been solid. Timlin made his name as a set up man, so if Tito wants to rest Oki, then go with Timlin (who has completely turned his season around).
Anyway, I really hope we can take advantage of the next few games -- especially the ones against TB -- to make up for all this. Like you said, Francona is stubborn but maybe now he finally sees it.
And yes, people need to stop whining about giving up Gabbard like we just traded away or next Bagwell.
Whew... glad to get all that off my chest.
lol, I'm glad I could help you feel better sofla.
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