Red Sox Rumors: Boston Targeting Relievers

Jayson Stark of ESPN heard from other clubs around the league that the Boston Red Sox are “canvassing every bullpen option out there”.  There are several late-inning arms expected to be available this summer including Huston Street of the Padres and Astros closer Brett Myers.  ESPN’s Buster Olney believes that the Red Sox could also be targeting A’s closer Grant Balfour.

The Red Sox currently sport several areas of need, but none is bigger than Boston’s bullpen.  Red Sox relievers have combined to produce the worst ERA in the majors (6.55).

Boston expected offseason acquisitions Mark Melancon and Andrew Bailey to become staples of their 2012 bullpen.  However, Melancon has been demoted to Triple-A due to ineffectiveness and Bailey is expected to be out until the All-Star break with an injury.

There are several viable trade options on the market.  Olney tied Grant Balfour to the Red Sox, and the A’s are almost guaranteed to deal the right-hander by this summer’s trade deadline.  Over his first 12 appearances of the season, Balfour has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 1.38 and 0.615 with six saves.

Unfortunately for the Red Sox, they have a few things working against them as they look into potential trades.  They have already tapped heavily into their upper minors and major league-ready talent and they are not able to take on as much salary as Red Sox clubs of the past.

It will be interesting to see how rookie general manager Ben Cherington navigates the next few months and if he and the Red Sox are able to turn things around.

For more on the Red Sox be sure to check out BoSox Injection.

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