There have been a lot of fans calling for Bard to be moved back to the 'pen. After a couple months of misery and a trip to Pawtucket, Daniel Bard realizes the bullpen is where he belongs.
“After going and (relieving) a couple of times, it felt like I belonged,” Bard said yesterday afternoon. “It felt like that’s what I was meant to do, pitch late in games. I think my skill-set and experience is built for that type of role. It’s just a feeling. There’s conviction to it.
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“The feeling of everyone I’ve talked to, and the way I feel myself, is that I can be a good starter,” Bard said. “I know I can be a good starter. But I know I’m already a great reliever. Maybe that’s what I was meant to do, so just try and embrace it from here on out.”
The team is in full agreement that Bard belongs in that bullpen and he will have a bigger impact in as a reliever. A big questions is, How much of an impact will he have when he returns? Bard blew is second save in as many opportunities last night and hasn't been exactly mowing down AAA batters.
Daniel Bard has appeared in 7 games (1 start) for the Pawsox and has looked pretty awful for the most part. In those 7 games, Bard has pitches 8 1/3 innings, with a 7.56 ERA, giving up 9 hits, 7 runs (all earned), 2 walks, and struck out 12. I'm not too sure I feel comfortable with those numbers. The only positive is the 12 K's in 8.1 innings, that's a pretty good ratio.
Bard isn't returning to Boston in the near future, because he obviously still has a lot of work to do. When he is ready for a return, he will be well aware and focused on his role as a reliever/closer.
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June 24, 2012
