Thumb Wars

I’ve been trying to remain optimistic about the upcoming season (two days until the Sox take on the Tigers). Through Bard’s rough Spring Training starts, Crawford’s setbacks, the lack of bullpen help, I’ve tried to think that this Red Sox team will be able to come out on top. However, the news from yesterday and today is just another blow to a Red Sox team with so going against them.

It was reported yesterday that Andrew Bailey had seen a thumb specialist in Boston and was now seeing hand specialist one in Cleveland. ESPN is reporting that Bailey needs surgery on his thumb, and the surgery could be done as early as this afternoon. Nothing official has come from the Red Sox as of yet, but it’s really only a matter of time, right?

Also reported yesterday was that Josh Beckett had a thumb issue as well. Yesterday, Beckett saw a thumb specialist in San Antonio; and now, there are reports that Beckett’s also heading to Cleveland to have his thumb looked at by the specialist. However, Beckett’s visit is supposed to be for “peace of mind,” according to Valentine.

If both pitchers are down for some time, I think the Sox are in trouble. Bailey’s injury seems to be more troublesome since the word “surgery” is being associated with it. If Bailey is out for some time, and the reports are that he’s going on the disabled list, then the Sox will need to figure out who will close the games.

Melancon, who was slated to be the set-up man, seems to be a logical choice; he was the closer for the Astros last year as well. But closing for the Astros is completely different than closing for the Red Sox, in a year when they’re out to prove themselves. Based off what I’ve seen from him during Spring Training, I’m not convinced that Melancon would be the best decision for a closer.

Aceves is also a candidate for the closing position. In my opinion, Aceves is the most versatile pitcher the Sox have, which also seems to be his Achilles tendon when it comes to him being a starter. He may not have lights out stuff, which seems to be what people look for in closers, but he knows how to pitch and pitch well. Personally, I think Aceves is the best choice for closer because he is out to prove something.

There’s also the idea of having Aceves become a starter and Bard fill in as closer, since Bard has been the “closer in waiting” for so long. As angry as Aceves was when he was told he wouldn’t be a starter, I think Daniel Bard would be even more so. I’ve seen the “Bard as closer” idea bounced around since these thumb reports have come out, and I think that’ll be too disruptive. If the Sox are committed to Bard being a starter, they can’t change their minds because of Bailey’s injury.

Beckett’s injury also is a concern, but maybe to a lesser extent. Beckett reportedly had thrown 100 pitches in a bullpen session on Sunday and “felt great,” according to Valentine. Valentine is also quoted as saying, “If he needed to talk to me, he was going to talk to me. He didn’t talk to me, so I think he was fine.”

Again, Aceves seems like the logical choice to fill in as a starter if Beckett does have to miss starts or be placed on the disabled list. Besides one start, he’s had a great Spring Training. He wants to be a starter; and according to him, Valentine has already told him if Beckett can’t start, Aceves is the starter.

I’m really hoping that Beckett’s visit to the hand specialist is just precautionary because he’s one of the keys to the Sox’s success this season. He’s out to prove something, and he’s done a great job this Spring Training (19 innings, 7 hits, 2 ER). If the Sox lost Beckett, that’ll be a blow to the rotation.

I’m sure they’ll be more reports and confirmations later today, but I had to write something about this now. It’s frustrating to have so much faith in a team that seems to be crumbling away before the season starts. The season is 162 games (as ESPN so graciously reminded me last night in their documentary). A lot can happen in that time; I just hope it ends up being positive.

UPDATE:  Andrew Bailey is scheduled to have surgery to reconstruct ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb.  When Valentine was asked when Bailey was to return, his reply was he wasn't expecting him back before the All-Star Break.  So, the Sox need a closer... fast.  The season starts in less than 48 hours....