Boston Red Sox Hopes Crushed Again by Daniel Bard

I'm saying this: I want Justin Masterson back.

I loved Masterson, he was one of my favorite players on the Red Sox. And now, I hate Daniel Bard.

I know Bard is the potential future closer of the Red Sox. However, with the Red Sox up 2-0 over the Tampa Bay Rays in the 8th, Bard came in to face the Rays' star, Evan Longoria.

Longoria promptly blated a majestic home run to the deepest part of center field, in a game the Rays eventualy won 4-2.

Now, with last night's game against the New York Yankees seemingly, potentialy in hand after newcomer Victor Martinez blasted a two-run home run into the left field corner, giving the Sox a 2-1 lead.

But then, in the bottom of the 8th, Bard came in. He got two quick outs. Then, he gave up a home run to Johnny Damon, exactly 10 minutes after the Martinez homer.

Then, the very next batter Mark Teixeira was up. And he blasted a home run about 10 miles high. Then, four straight Yankees reached base, giving the Bombers a 5-2 lead. Some of those runs were given up by Hideki Okajima, but Bard gave the Yankees the momentum.

The Yankees elite closer Mariano Rivera came in to seal the deal with a relatively easy inning, allowing two baserunners.

So I propose this: If someone has the ability to go back in time, please do so to make Theo Epstein switch Justin Masterson for Daniel Bard in the Victor Martinez deal.

The Indians would likely accept the deal. We'd still have Masterson, who has been automatic in clutch situations, instead of Bard, who seems to automatically give up a home run in clutch situations.

If Bard is going to be the next Jonathan Papelbon, how come he gives up homers to the best players he faces? Papelbon has always been good against tough batters.

As Bard continues to lose games, Masterson is looking sweeter and sweeter.