MLB Trade Rumors: Why Andrew Bailey Will Make Red Sox Title Contenders

The Boston Red Sox collapsed last year down the stretch. The final game saw the Sox blow a lead with two outs in the ninth inning. It’s why for Boston to get back to the World Series, they have to make a trade for Oakland Athletics closer Andrew Bailey. 

There were rumors running around that the team was out of shape, uninterested and drinking beer while playing video games. All of those are still rumors, but the fact is that they blew too many leads late in games.  

Adding the former American League Rookie of the Year in Bailey would eliminate that problem. According to MLB Trade Rumors and ESPN’s Buster Olney:  

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The Red Sox, who lost Jonathan Papelbon to the Phillies, also have interest in adding to the back end of their bullpen this offseason.

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Bailey has three years of MLB experience, with every year having 24-26 saves and an ERA of 2.07. Last year, Bailey had his lowest save total of 24 and highest ERA of 3.24. However, Bailey missed the start of last year because of an injury.  

Last year Papelbon had a rebound season, compared to 2010, but still had an ERA of 2.94 and a save total of 31. He played a full season, compared to Bailey, and had the same amount of saves and an ERA around Bailey’s. 

Down the stretch in September, in four save chances, Papelbon blew two of those saves. With the Red Sox losing to the Tampa Bay Rays by one game, they could have used one of those games that Papelbon blew. 

If you compare that to Bailey’s September stretch of games, he was perfect in six games. In those six saves, Bailey had five strikeouts, zero earned runs, two hits and walked one batter.  

With the younger, and cheaper Bailey, it gives the Sox that dominant arm that they needed last year.  

Against the AL East last year, Bailey had seven saves to one blown save. Sox fans should not fear that one blown save, as it was to Boston in Bailey’s third game back from the DL.  

For Boston fans, they should know that last year Bailey went perfect in save opportunities against the Yankees, converting all three attempts. All three of those saves came not at home in Oakland, but on the road in Yankee Stadium.  

The Red Sox could make a flashier move by signing starting pitcher C.J. Wilson. However, their smartest move will be making a trade for Bailey and plugging a hole that killed their season last year. 

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