Chicago White Sox: 3 landing spots for Craig Kimbrel
By David Hill
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox thought they had the ninth inning taken care of when they signed Matt Barnes to a two year extension.
Instead, Barnes completely imploded in the second half. He not only lost the closer role down the stretch, but was also kept off the postseason roster. While Barnes may be a solid setup man and his struggles could be explained away, he cannot be trusted with the ninth inning on a team with postseason aspirations.
It may be time for Kimbrel to change his Sox once again. He would give the Red Sox a proven commodity in the ninth inning, someone that would allow them to put Barnes in his more comfortable role as a setup man. This would again deepen Boston’s bullpen, something that would be needed as their rotation has plenty of health questions.
The Red Sox are expected to target their bullpen once the lockout ends. Closer is a clear need although the market is relatively thin in free agency. The Chicago White Sox may have the best option available, an arm that is desperately needed in Boston.
Craig Kimbrel had success with the Boston Red Sox, his run ending with a championship. It may be time to bring him back.