Boston Red Sox: Alfredo Aceves Has Been Rock Solid During MLB Career

I know Boston Red Sox fans are not entirely thrilled with relief pitcher Alfredo Aceves right now.  This is understandable. Red Sox nation is a proud, passionate bunch that wants winners, not individuals who blow saves against the likes (or dislikes) of the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and Detroit Tigers.

Looking at Aceves’ overall statistics this season, I could see how Red Sox fans would unleash nearly every expletive known to mankind. An 0-2 record and 4.91 ERA will do that to even the most casual Red Sox fan. This is especially true when both losses this season came before the faithful at Fenway Park.

But looking at the bigger picture, Aceves has been a pretty rock solid pitcher during his five year career in the big leagues.

During his time with both the Yankees and Red Sox, Aceves is 24-5 (82 percent winning percentage) with a 3.12 ERA and 1.10 WHIP.  Aceves has also struck out 195 batters in 265.2 innings. Batters are hitting just .215 against him.

Since joining the Red Sox in 2011, Aceves is 10-4 with a 2.96 ERA, while pitching in varying and at times pressure-packed situations.

While it is true Aceves is no Mariano Rivera by any stretch of the imagination, he has nonetheless been a pivotal part of Boston’s success since joining the team. And while Aceves has a ways to go to perfect his craft, many big league clubs would love to have him.

Even if he does make baseball fans throw things at television sets at times.