How are we feeling about the state of the Red Sox bullpen right now?

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

8 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

 

Ah, 1961. Those were the days... when the Red Sox could go 50-31 at Fenway Park and still finish 33 games out of first place.

Boston went with a youth movement in '61, starting three rookies. The Big Three turned in varied first years: starting pitcher Don Schwall, 25, won 15 games, made the All-Star team and won AL Rookie of the Year. The second baseman named Schilling (Chuck), 23, led the league in plate appearances and finished 3rd in ROY; both also received MVP votes.

A third rookie, age 21, checked in with a -0.3 WAR... that would be below a replacement player -- which is, ironically, who he was tasked with trying to be, replacing only the Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived in left field. 

(take heart, Campbell/Mayer/and some minute Anthony: maybe you, too, or three, could be a negative value rookie and someday have a loaf of bread named after youse).

[Larry Cook]

Hard for the bullpen when the starters not named crochet average 4 innings a start 

[Kimmi]

On 5/29/2025 at 11:52 AM, Larry Cook said:

Hard for the bullpen when the starters not named crochet average 4 innings a start 

Our bullpen shares the blame for these losses, but not only have they carried a heavy load because of our starters' inability to go deep into games, they have also pitched a lot of high stress innings because of our offenses' inability to score runs.  I would venture to say that if our starters and offense did a better job, our bullpen would also do a better job.

[TheSplinteredSplendor]

https://chowderandchampions.com/red-sox-reliever-floated-as-potential-trade-candidate-ahead-of-trade-deadline-01jwvb3me7j6?utm_source=RSS

[mvp 78]

Robert Stock DFA'd for the second time.

Brian Van Belle called up for this first time in his career. 

[mvp 78]

Van Belle throws strikes and doesn't generate a lot of whiffs. 

His last time on the bump:

 

[mvp 78]

We just may see this poor bastard in Boston again! 

[dgalehouse]

Many teams are having problems with their rotations and their bullpens due to the staggering amount of injuries . The Red Sox are not alone in this. 

[Bellhorn04]

46 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

We just may see this poor bastard in Boston again! 

That's pretty much what I was calling him when he was struggling the other night.

[mvp 78]

No concerns: Chapman, Wilson, Whitlock

Usage concerns: Bernardino, Weissert

Lots of concerns: Kelly

No opinion: Guerrero, Alcala

[tawest]

On 3/18/2025 at 1:47 PM, Cameron Tran said:

Bernardino and Whitlock are looking solid this spring. Don't really know what the closer role will look like but right now I trust Chapman over Slaten or Hendriks. That could definitely change this summer. Problem is no one has looked all that good. Wink has been awful. Weissert and Guerrero haven't been great. Hendriks looks rusty. Justin Wilson isn't looking good. Could the bullpen be what kills this team again? I know Spring Training stats are pretty meaningless, but the Bullpen looks weak. We definelty should've pushed harder for one of the high end relievers. Is it time to give David Robertson a call?

It's not a good situation. The pen has been a weak point for a number of years, and it hasn't stepped it up this year either. Partially because the Sox are't getting any length out of their starting staff but seriously, is anyone confident anyone coming in from the bullpen can maintain a lead? I'm not.