With Paplebon gone to the Phills, here’s the Sox options
- AN IN HOUSE OPTION: The best guy here is Daniel Bard, who had this job written all over him until a bad stretch run. He is still capable and can rebound and should rebound no matter where he pitches. He’s a solid option and would do the job and do it well, starting right away. His heat needs to be there though. In his career, he could be a good setup man, closer or even starter but closing would be his best role. He could have a great 2012 as a closer too. Felix Doubrant is worth a look, but I would only use him once in a while, he’s more of a starter
- TOP FREE AGENT- Heath Bell and Ryan Madson, both are decent fits and would do okay. I like Bell more because I think he’s better and would have better stats and just thrive in Boston. Madson could do good but he will blow a save here and there and isn’t as good, he is real good still and could also be an all-star in Boston. Bell wouldn’t likely blow a save in the AL East and could do amazing things and Madson could do close to the same but it may take a few weeks to start doing that, as he hasn’t been great at Fenway.
- LOW END FREE AGENT- Kerry Wood maybe but he may just be okay in Boston and will likely go back tot he Cubs, a better fit anyway. Joe Nathan deserves a look for a one or two-year deal, especially if Bard is still in your plans as a closer. Nathan has a lot left and still has two more good seasons and I think he could do great and thrive in Boston and do more than anybody would expect, he’s a guy they should sign.
- BEST OPTION- All are great but I would say sign Bell or Nathan and give Bard some time, either Bell or Nathan would be good but I’ll go with Bell just because he’s better and younger, but I didn’t pick him by a lot
i say bell. bard gets stage fright.