Boston Red Sox 2015 All-Star Break Grades: Front Office/Management

John Farrell and Ben Cherington have overseen Boston's disastrous first half of the season. (Barry Chin/Boston Globe)

Owner John Henry
Henry was the leading force behind the signings of Hanley Ramirez (4 years, $88 million) and Pablo Sandoval (5 years, $95 million) this offseason, and right now both deals look like duds for the Boston Red Sox. Henry pushed for the two free agent splashes in an effort to increase ticket sales and TV ratings. The Red Sox may be selling more tickets than last year's last-place catastrophe but the team is back in the basement in the AL East thanks to the less-than-stellar performances by their lucrative free agent expenditures. Sandoval is batting just .265 with limited power (7 HRs and 30 RBIs) and has the second-worst fielding percentage among starting third basemen in the American League. And lets not forget he was caught liking a photo on Instagram mid-game. Ramirez, meanwhile, has looked awful in the outfield, runs the bases like a Little League player and managed just one RBI in the month of July. Ramirez has cranked 16 home runs and has been strong at the plate of late, but signing him was a huge risk because of his limitations in the field. He should be a full-time designated hitter—a slot that won't open up until after David Ortiz (who refuses to play first base on a regular basis) retires.

Grade: D-

GM Ben Cherington
As noted above, it was Henry who wanted to bring Ramirez and Sandoval to town. Nonetheless, Cherington is responsible for the trade that netted Joe Kelly and Allen Craig, both players that have been subjected to the minor leagues . Rusney Castillo, the so-called Cuban sensation who received a seven-year, $72.5 million contract this winter, was sent back to the minors after posting an awful slash line of .233/.263/.288. Castillo's woes fall on Cherington, who expected the Cuban outfielder to jumpstart a Red Sox offense that was horrific in 2014. But Cherington's most inexcusable mistake? Signing Rick Porcello to a four year, $82.5 million contract extension that runs through the 2019 season before the right-hander threw a single pitch for Boston (and yet the team refused to give Jon Lester the money he deserved during contract negotiations last regular season). The mid-season pickup of Alejandro De Aza has been a gem and the development of youngsters Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Eduardo Rodriguez has been encouraging, but too many of Cherington's moves have backfired for the Red Sox.

Grade: C-

Manager John Farrell
The Red Sox players have lost track of outs, Sandoval used his bathroom break to go on Instagram and the team shows no willpower against adversity. All of the aforementioned issues fall on Farrell. He also said he "respected" Wade Miley for throwing a tantrum on the mound in a game the disappointing left-hander crapped the bed in a loss against the Baltimore Orioles. From afar, it appears Farrell has lost complete control of the locker room.

Grade: D

John Lackey for Joe Kelly/Allen Craig Trade has had Nightmarish Results for Red Sox

            The trade that sent John Lackey to the St. Louis Cardinals for Joe Kelly and Allen Craig looks shoddier by the day. The Boston Red Sox dealt Lackey—the No. 2 starter in its World Series championship team in 2013—at the trade deadline in last year’s turbulent season with the aim of building for the future. However, neither Kelly nor Craig has yielded any positive results for Boston.

             Kelly (2-5) boldly proclaimed he would win the American League Cy Young this season. Kelly's prediction has burnt into flames. The right-hander was optioned to Pawtucket following another dismal performance in Tuesday night’s loss—surrendering five runs on eight hits in just 3.2 innings of work in the 6-4 defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles.

Safe to say Joe Kelly won't be winning the AL Cy Young this season. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

            Now holding the third-worst ERA (5.67) in the American League, Kelly has been demoted to the minors—an embarrassing moment for the 27-year-old who grabbed a headset from WEEI’s broadcast setup during the Red Sox’s Winter Weekend at Foxwoods and spontaneously announced, “I want your listeners to know, I’m going to win the Cy Young this year. Just letting everyone know so when I win it you heard it here first.”

            Instead of competing for the Cy Young race, Kelly has been shipped down to Triple-A, where his biggest enjoyment could be sharing a dugout with his longest-standing teammate and fellow disappointment, Allen Craig. The first baseman/outfielder, Craig hasn’t seen action in the big leagues since May 9. He played woefully for the Red Sox in his short stay in the majors this season, batting .135 with one home run and a pair of runs batted in.

            Craig has seen a steep decline since being a major factor of the St. Louis Cardinals’ championship season in 2011. That regular season he hit 315/.362/.555 with a .917 OPS. He hit four home runs in the postseason—three coming in the World Series against the Texas Rangers, including one in the title-clinching Game 7 victory for St. Louis.

            The following season Craig hit 22 home runs and recorded 92 RBIs. He earned a five year, $31 million contract in the offseason. Craig made his first All-Star appearance in 2013. He batted .375 in the World Series against Boston.

            Nagging foot problems, though, have crippled his once-promising career. Craig hit a combined .237 for the Cardinals before being traded to the Red Sox last season. As a member of the Red Sox, he started just eight games and batted .135 in 59 plate appearances.

            Since his demotion to Triple-A this May, Craig has hit .290 with a .429 on-base percentage, .403 slugging percentage and .832 OPS. But the right-handed hitter—once known for his power at the plate—has registered only eight extra-base hits (five doubles and three homers). Manager John Farrell still believes Craig isn’t ready to return to the majors, a concerning sign for a player that is under contract in Boston through 2017, and making $25 million in that time span.

            It’s anyone’s guess as to which player has the ability to turn his career around. Skepticism has begun to arise among league executives and scouts with regards to Kelly's and Craig's ability to ever contribute on a regular basis for a MLB team. The Red Sox, though, maintain their hope that both Kelly and Craig can produce for the team in the near future. Lackey certainly has been productive since Boston washed their hands of him. The 36-year-old right-hander posted a 3.46 ERA in two starts for the Cardinals in the 2014 playoffs and currently owns a 3.35 ERA.

            Some believe Kelly has a better chance to right his career ship. He is better off as a power pitcher that relies on his velocity, rather than operating as a finesse hurler. His inconsistencies, however, have led many to believe he won’t amount to anything more than a mediocre No. 4 starter at best. There are others who surmise Craig has a better chance of turning his two-year slump around because of his past success. The detractors of Craig, however, will point to his career demise since his foot issues arose.

           The optimistic Red Sox fans—if any still exist—hope both Kelly and Craig become effective MLB players. As of now, the Lackey for Kelly and Craig swap has been an utter failure for the Red Sox, who traded for two players currently in the minors in exchange for a veteran who has pitched in two decisive World Series contests. 

Burke Badenhop: Unsung Hero of Boston Red Sox Bullpen

               

               Burke Badenhop has been one of the most reliable relievers for the Boston 
Red Sox this season. The 31-year-old right-hander owns a 1.64 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP in 32 appearances out of the bullpen.

                The efforts of Badenhop have at times gone under the radar because of the impressive work of Junichi Tazawa (2.40 ERA) and Andrew Miller (2.48 ERA), two relievers that were integral parts of Boston’s World Series title run in 2013. Badenhop, who signed with the Red Sox in the offseason, is largely overshadowed because of closer Koji Uehara, the 2013 ALCS MVP and the current holder of an otherworldly 0.57 ERA.

                Badenhop maneuvered through a shaky eighth inning in the Red Sox’s 1-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Monday night, loading the bases before striking out the Twins’ Brian Dozier to end the threat.

                “Just made some big pitches, got a righty back up there (in Dozier),” Badenhop said, per MassLive.com. “I wasn’t going to miss over the plate to [Danny] Santana, end up hitting him knowing I’ve got a base open there, and getting to Dozier and kind of going toe-to-toe with him there and getting a good slider.”

                With 2/3 inning of no-run work in Monday’s win, Badenhop extended his streak to 30 innings without allowing an earned run. The 30-inning stretch is the third-longest relief streak without an earned run in Red Sox history — trailing only and Dick Radatz (33 innings in 1963) and Uehara (33 2/3 innings in 2013) — for the franchise record.

                "With where we were, Hop (Badenhop) has gained an awful lot of trust as the year has gone on," said Red Sox manager John Farrell, via MassLive.com. "We know he's got to be careful to left-handers and he makes a key pitch with a slider to punch out (Brian) Dozier to end a bases-loaded threat."

                Badenhop’s historical run is remarkable, given his abysmal start to the year that saw the reliever give up six earned runs in six innings in his first four appearances of the season.  Badenhop, who leads all MLB relievers with 10 ground-ball double plays, has a legitimate shot to make the American League All-Star team.

                Badenhop has emerged as a critical cog in a Red Sox bullpen that ranks fourth in the big leagues with a 2.80 ERA.

Sizemore's single in 12th lifts Red Sox over Reds

Emerging as the feel-good story of spring training, Grady Sizemore had come back down to earth. Mired in a 3-for-37 slump entering Tuesday’s homestand, the 31-year-old needed a spark to lift him out of his prolonged funk.

Sizemore’s hitting woes came to a screeching halt on Tuesday as the Boston Red Sox’s center fielder delivered with three-hits, none bigger than his Green Monster-smashing single that scored David Ortiz from second base in the 12^th inning. Sizemore’s wall-ball base knock lifted the Red Sox to a 4-3 victory over the visiting Cincinnati Reds.

The single gave Sizemore his fourth career walk-off hit, his first since Aug. 11, 2006, against the Kansas City Royals, then a member of the Cleveland Indians.

"It will never get old to walk off," said Sizemore, via SFGate.com. "I was just glad I could come through."

Coming up in the clutch, Sizemore proved he can be an integral piece to the Red Sox as they build toward restoring their dominance in the MLB.

"He feels like the game is coming back to him," Red Sox manager John Farrell said, via telegram.com. "With a walk-off hit like this, he feels he's contributing, not just some player coming back from an injury."

For Sizemore, a walk-off single builds confidence to a player looking to recapture his glory after injuries almost decimated his career.

"Honestly, considering everything else I've gone through, this is easy," Sizemore said, via MassLive.com. "This is fun."

The Red Sox are now 1-2 in extra innings contests at Fenway Park, posting a 2-2 record overall in extras.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Boston Red Sox Series Preview

The Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds will square off on Tuesday for just the third time since battling on the national stage in the epic 1975 World Series. The Reds will visit Fenway Park for the first time since 2005 as they take on the defending champions for a quick midweek two-game series.

Homer Bailey (2-2) of the Reds will oppose the Red Sox’s Felix Doubront (1-3) in the series-opener. Bailey is fresh off his finest pitching performance of the season, hurling eight innings with just three runs allowed in a victory over the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers. Faltering in each of his past three starts, Doubront has yet to make it through seven innings in 2014. The left-hander has been unable to record a victory since earning a win in his first start of the year.

The Red Sox do not have much experience against Bailey. The only players with more than two career at-bats against Bailey are Grady Sizemore (2-for-10) and Shane Victorino (4-for-11, HR).

Jake Peavy will look for some run support when he takes the mound for the series-finale. Peavy has been an imposing force in the Red Sox’s rotation, posting a 2.87 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings pitched. Peavy’s pedestrian 1-1 record does not reflect the season the right-hander has had thus far.

On the opposite side, Mike Leake, who knows what it feels like to be a hard-luck loser, will take the hill for the Reds. Leake (2-3) is coming off a dominant start in which he surrendered just two runs in eight innings, yet was hooked for the loss in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Brewers.

Receiving positive news on the injury front was Red Sox relief pitcher Edward Mujica, who dealt with discomfort in his right oblique as he warmed up in the bullpen in Saturday’s contest versus the Oakland A’s. Mujica will avoid a trip to the disabled list, according to Red Sox manager John Farrell.

“This isn't a DL situation as a result of the exam this morning," Farrell said, via MetroWest Daily News. "Likely unavailable today. Give him today and tomorrow ... to continue to receive treatment and see where we are when we open up against Cincinnati (on Tuesday)."

The Red Sox and Reds will both get a day off on Thursday, before each squad hits the road for its respective weekend series. These two clubs will meet again this year in Cincinnati for a two-game series on Aug. 12-13.

Koji Uehara Expected Back for Series Against White Sox

Koji Uehara was unavailable to pitch against the New York Yankees, but the closer is likely to be ready for the series against the Chicago White Sox. (Bob DeChiara/ USA Today Sports)

After being sidelined for the four-game series over the weekend in the Bronx against the New York Yankees with shoulder soreness, Koji Uehara is expected to rejoin the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday for the start of their three-game set against the Chicago White Sox.

Uehara underwent an MRI on Monday at Massachusetts General Hospital that revealed no structural damage in his right shoulder, likely meaning the 37-year-old will avoid a stint on the disabled list. The right-hander is projected to be available in Chicago as the Red Sox continue their road trip.

“He was really able to generate good arm speed. He’s moving past some of the concerns, mentally, that he had,” manager John Farrell told reporters, via WEEI.com. “During the time he was throwing, he felt better than he actually expected…We’re hopeful and expecting him to return to us in Chicago. We’d still like to get him off a mound in a bullpen session or get him back in a game, but today overall was very good news regarding Koji.”

Uehara has been flawless in his five one-inning relief appearances this season, allowing no runs and giving up just three hits. The Red Sox’s closer has recorded both save opportunities, striking out seven batters in five-innings pitched in 2014.   

Red Sox Manager John Farrell: 'Hard to Have Faith' in Replay

John Farrell became the first manager to get ejected for arguing a replay decision after getting tossed by first base umpire Bob Davidson in the fourth-inning of Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Yankees. (Adam Hunger/ USA Today Sports)

MLB’s newly instituted replay system was expected to have some growing pains in its inaugural season in 2014. However, the system has done more harm than good early on, providing the league with more headaches for disputed calls than ever before.

The Boston Red Sox have been victimized by the replay system in each of their past two games, both losses against the archrival New York Yankees.

In Saturday’s contest, Red Sox manager John Farrell asked umpires to review a call at second base, where the Yankees’ Dean Anna was ruled safe on a play that replay showed he was undoubtedly out. The call stood after video review, though. After the game, MLB admitted the call should have been overturned.

On Sunday night, Farrell was ejected after arguing a call in the fourth inning that was reviewed on replay after umpires reversed their original ruling on what would have been an inning-ending double play.

Initially, Yankees' Francisco Cervelli was properly called out at first after he grounded to Red Sox third baseman Ryan Roberts, who threw to second to force out Kelly Johnson, before Red Sox second baseman Jonathan Herrera fired it over to first baseman Mike Napoli in what should have ended the inning.

"On the heels of yesterday and today, this is a tough pill to swallow,” Farrell told MLB.com’s Ian Browne. “It's extremely difficult to have any faith in the system, the process that's being used."

The reversal gave the Yankees a run on a call that was clearly correct before the umpires reviewed and wrongly overturned it. This run proved to be the difference for the Yankees in a 3-2 victory. Lacking conclusive evidence even after review, Farrell was justly furious after the call was upturned.

"We felt that it was clear that the replay was inconclusive," Farrell said, via Jason Mastrodonato of MassLive.com. "The frustrating part is when this was rolled out and explained to us, particularly on the throw received by the first baseman, we were instructed that when the ball enters the glove, not that it has to hit the back of the glove, is where the out is deemed complete.”

"At the same time, any angle that we looked at, you couldn't tell if the foot was on the bag behind Mike Napoli's leg. Where this became conclusive is a hard pill to swallow."

Former manager and current MLB executive Tony La Russa implores Farrell to give the new system time to fix its initial bugs.

"One thing I'd say to John -- and I'd love to talk to him because I have great respect for him -- is that, in fairness to the process, we need to keep working at it," said La Russa, via Jayson Stark of ESPN.com. "I don't know what the period of time is, whether it's a month or six weeks or whatever it is, but we all have learned from what we've seen.” 

John Lackey Shuts Down Rangers as Red Sox Halt Three-Game Skid

Suffering a sweep in the home opening-series at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers was not a reason to panic for the Boston Red Sox. Nor was their 2-4 start to a 162-game season. Yet, the Red Sox needed a pick-me-up to avoid their first four-game losing streak since closing the infamous 2012 season with eight consecutive losses.

John Lackey provided the necessary boost in a dominating outing last night versus the Texas Rangers.

Lackey tossed seven solid innings in Monday’s victory, allowing just one unearned run and five hits as the Red Sox snapped their three-game losing streak. The right-hander has two wins in two starts in the 2014 season after silencing the Rangers’ hitters in the same manner in which he stymied the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, which helped the Red Sox attain the series victory at Camden Yards.

  Accuracy was at a premium for Lackey, who threw 17 first-pitch strikes to the 27 batters he faced. He threw 95 pitches, 65 for strikes, commanding his fastball (69 percent for strikes) and his off-speed pitches, consisting of curveballs and sliders (67 percent for strikes), with precision.

“I definitely want to pound the strike zone,” Lackey said, via WEEI.com. “I want them to know that I’m going to throw strikes. If you’re going to get me, you better get me quick [in the count] because I’m coming after you for sure.”

Pitching on the same mound that he stood on for the World Series clincher versus the St. Louis Cardinals, Lackey was able to use his aggressive approach on the hill to throttle the opposing batters.

With a 3.41 and 2.77 ERA in the 2013 regular season and playoffs, respectively, Lackey was arguably the most reliable No. 3 starter in the league. Lackey resurgence came a season after leading the MLB with a dreadful 6.41 ERA.

“He's reshaped himself, he's reshaped his approach to the game,” manager John Farrell said, per CSNNE.com. “He set out to change a perception that was formed over the first couple of years here and he had to do it first by his performance on the field. Coming back from Tommy John surgery, putting himself in great physical condition, he's the one who was at the root of that turnaround.”

After two prolific starts out of the gate, Lackey is on to pace to reestablish his status as an ace in the MLB in 2014.

Red Sox place Shane Victorino on 15-day disabled list, recall Jackie Bradley Jr.

Shane Victorino will start the 2014 season on the DL (Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports)

The Boston Red Sox placed right field Shane Victorino on the 15-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain, just hours before their opening day tilt against the Baltimore Orioles. Victorino injured his right hamstring while running the bases in Saturday’s Grapefruit League finale against the Minnesota Twins. His DL stint is retroactive to March 30.

Rookie outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. has been recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Victorino’s spot on the roster. Bradley Jr. batted just .158 in a dismal spring training, totaling almost double the amount of strikeouts (17) as hits (nine) in 19 exhibition contests. Bradley Jr. lost the competition for the starting center field spot to veteran Grady Sizemore, who emerged as one of the biggest surprises of spring training.

Manager John Farrell does not believe Victorino’s injury is serious, noting that his club will simply have to adjust in the short term without the “Flyin' Hawaiian."

“I don’t know that you look at it as troubling,” John Farrell said, per the Boston Herald. “You look at it as a situation that has to be managed. You’ve got to remain aware that you might have to change on the fly.”

The depth of the Red Sox will be relied upon in the absence of Victorino. Backup outfielder Jonny Gomes should see extended playing time with Victorino sidelined, along with utility man Mike Carp, who will start in left field and bat fifth for the Red Sox in their regular season opener.

Clay Buchholz unperturbed by designation as No. 5 starter; All-Star aims to stay healthy throughout season

Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell divulged his plans for the order of the starting rotation on Monday. Jon Lester is slated to be the ace of the pitching staff, followed by John Lackey, Felix Doubront, Jake Peavy and (finally) Clay Buchholz.

            Lester was the most consistent pitcher for the Red Sox during the regular season and the playoffs in 2013. Therefore, the southpaw deserves to spearhead the rotation and make his fourth consecutive Opening Day start.

            Farrell’s decision to tab Buchholz as the fifth starter was the most noteworthy, given the right-hander’s incredulous 1.74 ERA last season. The challenge for Buchholz was staying healthy as the 29-year-old started just 16 games last season.

Clay Buchholz looks to avoid the injury bug in 2014: Michael Ivins/ Getty Images

            Buchholz was not bothered by his placement in the rotation.

            "My first or second year in the big leagues my job was to be the fourth or fifth starter," Buchholz told MassLive.com reporter Jason Mastrodonato. “And there was a span during the season when four or five games in a row I faced (CC Sabathia, Max Scherzer and Zack Greinke), so it doesn't matter where you start."

            Staying healthy is the focus for Buchholz, who could care less about his positioning in the pitching rotation. His inability to stay on the field has led to criticism towards the 2013 All-Star by the media, including Boston.com’s Eric Wilbur. In his most recent column regarding Buchholz, he wrote:

            "In 2014, he’s already been tabbed Boston’s fifth starter, a status not indicative of his talent, but his penchant to either break down or refuse to pitch at anything less than 100 percent."

            Wilbur goes on to characterize Buchholz as a fragile player that has only shown flickers of his true skill.

            "But having to slot Buchholz there not only speaks to his brittle nature, but his dependability. Other than his 17-7 campaign of 2010, expectations for Buchholz have annually been disappointing despite flashes of brilliance."

            The injury that hampered Buchholz for over two months last season was certainly mysterious. He stayed on the disabled list from the end of May until the beginning of September with a sore neck, apparently caused from holding his sleeping child in his arms in a very uncomfortable position.

            Buchholz did not endear as much as scrutiny as one would expect a pitcher to have to deal with in a media and sports crazed city like Boston, mainly because of how well the Sox played throughout the entire year. Buchholz returned to the rotation for the playoffs, and while he was not the dominant pitcher he was in the regular season, he helped the franchise earn its eighth World Series championship. Now, Buchholz is ready for 2014 and is concentrating on remaining healthy all season.

            "I would've loved to pitch all the through (2013) but it didn't happen," Buchholz said via MassLive.com. "So I have to try to find a way to do it this year."

Could Grady Sizemore Seize Starting Center Field Job?

The Boston Red Sox’s battle for the starting center field spot is heating up. With Jacoby Ellsbury defecting to the rival New York Yankees in the offseason, the general assumption was that Jackie Bradley Jr. would take over the duties in center. However, veteran center fielder Grady Sizemore, who has not suited up for a regular season game since 2011, could earn the nod on Opening Day.

Red Sox outfielder Grady Sizemore (38) at bat during spring training at JetBlue Park: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Sizemore has reached base in four of nine plate appearances in spring training. The former Cleveland Indians' star has also played commendable defense in center field thus far for the Sox. Still, Sizemore will have to prove that he can play on a consistent basis before snatching the starting job.

“The competition is there,” manager John Farrell told NESN.com reporters in Sarasota, Fla. on Saturday. “But we haven’t arrived at a conclusion with Grady yet. We’re hopeful that Monday and Tuesday he’s got a chance to go back-to-back days. We still have to get answers to some questions that aren’t there yet.”

This will be a telling week for Sizemore, who needs to show he is a reliable everyday player. While his days as a speed demon are long gone, the 31-year-old veteran’s emergence this spring can’t be ignored.

The ongoing struggles at the plate by Bradley Jr. may also open up the doors for Sizemore. Bradley Jr. is hitting just .190, recording more strikeouts (5) than hits (4) in spring training. 

John Farrell Must Remove Andrew Bailey As Closer

John Farrell has no choice but to relieve Andrew Bailey of his closing duties. The Boston Red Sox were on the verge of a narrow 3-2 victory last night at Comerica Park against the Detroit Tigers, before Bailey let up a two-run, walk-off home run to Tigers’ shortstop Jhonny Peralta.

Bailey has now blown three saves in his last five chances. Bailey surrendered the game-tying run in the in the top of the ninth inning in the nightcap of Tuesday’s doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays. Jonnny Gomes was able to bail out Bailey that night by crushing a walk-off home run over the Green Monster in left field.  But last night, Bailey was not able to get away with blowing the save, costing the Red Sox a victory.

In Bailey’s last five appearances, he’s given up four home runs and walked batters, allowing seven earned runs in the process.

Farrell hinted at a change at the closer position following last night’s deflating loss to the Tigers.

“Yes, I think so,” Farrell said when asked if he’ll look at other options to close out games. “That might be backing him out of that [role] to get him some work to get on track a little more. We’ll talk more about that internally, about making a potential change.”

Since returning from the disabled list in early May, Bailey has been plagued by a decrease in velocity. His fastball is getting racked by seemingly every batter he opposes. Farrell has noticed this disturbing trend in Bailey’s velocity.

“The velocity hasn’t come back like it was before the DL stint,” Farrell said. “There’s work being done, through long-toss program, through the work that’s being done with the strength and medical staff here. He doesn’t talk of any inflammation or any uncomfortable feeling in the shoulder and yet the results are what they are.”

Bailey, meanwhile, shrugged off the notion that he is not 100 percent healthy as he believes his velocity will improve over time.

“I feel fine,” Bailey said. “I feel great. There are peaks and valleys in this game with velocity in outings. Right now I’ve got a little bit of both going and I’ll come out of it.”

It’s encouraging to hear that Bailey still has confidence in his abilities, but the fact of the matter is the Red Sox can’t keep giving games away if they want to remain in first place in the American League East. Bailey is just 8 for 12 in closing opportunities this year, proving that he should no longer be pitching the final inning for the Sox.

Farrell has plenty of internal options to replace Bailey at the closer. He could move set-up man Koji Uehara  into to the closing role. Uehara has shown he can retire batters in critical situations as he has recorded 13 holds and one save on the season, posting a 2.10 ERA in the process. If not Uehara, then maybe Farrell could slide Junichi Tazawa or Andrew Miller into the closing role. Tazawa has a 2.51 ERA on the season with 11 holds, while Miller posts a 2.77 ERA with 5 holds on the year.

Tazawa, Uehara and Miller all have the potential to close games. Bailey is still an important component of the Red Sox bullpen, but his struggles in the ninth inning cannot be overlooked and therefore Farrell has to select a new closer moving forward.