RedSoxNC84

they probably aren't even pro-Orioles.

I see what you're saying, and there is a lot of "IF" going on in our bullpen. I'm not saying 100% it's going to be perfect, but I'm not that worried about it either. We'll just have to wait and see what happens. Hopefully everything will piece together.

Knew the name, never really got a chance to see him play though, it was before my time. RIP

He's taking a bit longer to settle in, but I'm sure most of that is due to his recent conversion. There are going to be hiccups in this process, and I think some people here realize that, while others are holding their breath with their finger on the panic button already.

I don't think we need to be in panic mode about the bullpen, or even the rotation for that matter. Sure Bard is giving up walks, that I believe can be worked out. If he can cut his walks down some, he'll be performing like a #4 starter. We don't need him to be an ace, although it would be nice. The pen just doesn't seem to be all that bad to me, sure they gave up some runs in spring training, but it's spring training. They are testing guys out, guys are competing for jobs in there right now. Just because we aren't steamrolling in a spring training game, doesn't mean the season is going to turn out the same.

Having Iglesias as our starting SS, with Punto as a backup, and Aviles as a backup at 3b would work out pretty well I think, but can we afford to carry an extra player on the roster like that? Wouldn't that space be better suited to pitching?

Bowden certainly looks to be a better option for the bullpen than some of the other guys we have. I don't see why everyone thinks he's that terrible. From what we've seen of him in the past, yeah.. I honestly think he's looking pretty decent now.

I think we will have a solid bullpen. We may not have Bard + Papelbon in the 8th and 9th, but at least we have no shortage of good 7th inning arms.

I saw that he was released a couple days ago, but hadn't gotten on here to see the comments. Somehow, though, I fully expected this one, and you didn't disappoint.

I remember saying something close to this not too long ago, and someone here told me that Red Sox Nation was ********. Can't remember who it was though

How long have you been a fan? Since the early 90s How did you become a Red Sox fan? I was raised in a Braves household, and I grew up playing baseball, I used to be a pitcher. I always like guys like John Smoltz, but when I saw Roger Clemens for the first time, I was changed forever. Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Most of them currently. Who is your favorite all-time Red Sox player? Despite everything, it's still Roger Clemens. Also Tim Wakefield, and Curt Schilling, who I had the chance to see pitch in the minors in the late 80s when he was playing A-ball down here in NC. Who is your least favorite Red Sox player ever? Don't really have one, maybe Lackey. What state/country do you live in (to see how spread out the fan base is here) Greensboro, North Carolina. When was the first time you ever went to Fenway Park? Unfortunately, I haven't been yet. Who is your least favorite Yankee player of all-time? A-rod. I actually really like Jeter however, mostly because I have an autographed game ball of his from back in 1992 when he was playing A-ball down here. What is your favorite memory being a Red Sox fan? Of course it would be the 2004 ALCS comeback, as well as the two championships. I have many great memories scattered in there over the years though.

I think Doubront sticks as our 5th man. Aceves stays in the pen. From what I've seen the depth for 6th and 7th might be Cook and Padilla. Looks like Bowden will probably keep a bullpen job. I'm excited to see more of him, I have been saying for awhile he could be a great reliever.

He looked okay.. Not great really. Three scoreless but allowed a single and a double, no Ks.

Indeed sir.

I'd rather talk about baseball. FACT.

Silva is out of the running for the rotation according to Boston's site on MLB. I guess that's one less from the scrap heap we have to worry about.

Apparently we'd rather spend money on dudes who can't pitch because they suck, rather than someone who can't pitch because they're on the verge of being physically disabled.

I predict that 2012 will be different than 2011.

I agree there. It's starting to look like we'll be cruising into ST with the roster as-is.

Even if Miller works out his control issues, I still don't think he would be a viable option for a starting role. I think he could be considered a great bullpen arm, and MAYBE even a swingman. I don't think he could make it much farther in the bigs when the lineup gets more than a look or two at him. Doubront on the other hand, I think he has a lot of potential for talent, he just needs to stop being lazy. Tazawa I think would be a great option, it's too bad he spent a good chunk of his development time out with TJ, but I think he has the stuff to make a strong comeback. Padilla will probably lose his s*** and start trying to take heads off with the new found velocity he has. As far as all the other depth options, Cook seems to be the only standout. Mortensen will probably just be a bullpen arm. Silva and Maine may not even get a callup after spring training.