MLB Rumors: Where Does Bobby Jenks Fit Into the Boston Red Sox Bullpen in 2011?

The addition of Bobby Jenks was one of the better moves the Boston Red Sox have made this winter. The 2010 Red Sox had an awful bullpen, and even though general manager Theo Epstein's main focus was on a power bat, he has re-tooled the bullpen in the last few days.

The 2011 season will be the last before current Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon can become a free agent, and it's clear they won't re-sign him. 

Papelbon will surely ask for over $10 million per season as a free agent, and with young phenom Daniel Bard waiting in the wings to take over the closer role, 2011 will likely be Pap's last season in Boston.

If Bard is the closer of the future, where does newly signed Bobby Jenks fit into the Red Sox bullpen plans? 

Jenks has been a very good closer with the Chicago White Sox, but after a poor season last year, he might be best served as a setup man.

But Theo Epstein just signed Dan Wheeler from the Tampa Bay Rays, a middle reliever who is very consistent, and even he could be a setup man.

But with Hideki Okajima not likely to return next season (the Red Sox did not tender his contract on Dec. 3), the middle relief will have a hole to fill, and Wheeler fits best in the sixth and seventh innings.

Jenks could step in as a closer if the situation calls. If Papelbon's struggles continue from 2010, Jenks would give Red Sox manager Terry Francona a veteran player to close out games.

If Bard and Jenks are playing well near the trade deadline in late July, Papelbon could be dealt to ensure the Red Sox get some value in return for their star pitcher, instead of letting him walk in free agency and receiving only a draft pick.

Bobby Jenks is not a flame-throwing pitcher anymore, but he is a solid, veteran relief pitcher. If he can be versatile and give Terry Francona options in different late innings situations, he can be very valuable to the 2011 Boston Red Sox.