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The major concern the Red Sox had about replacing closer Jonathan Papelbon with Andrew Bailey was can the former A’s closer hold up physically through a full season?
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And Bailey said nothin’ was not hurtin’ after he threw 19 pitches, 14 for strikes, in the sixth inning.
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“The first guy [Omar Infante] hit a double and immediately your mind switches to that closer’s mentality, where you never want to blow a lead. It doesn’t matter for me if it’s in spring training,’’ said Bailey. “So for me it was kind of cool to have your first outing be that kind of tight ballgame and for me to kind of act like it was regular season. And obviously I have some things to work on. That’s why we start with spring training. But it was nice to get in that situation. But for me you never want to give up runs no matter what inning you pitch.’’
The Sox feel they can get Bailey another six or seven appearances before camp breaks. They’d love to get him a game or two with multiple innings.
Bailey wanted to break into a game and build a little momentum.
“I felt comfortable out there,’’ he said. “Kind of normal for me, just the first outing in spring. And obviously had the mind-set of going in and working on things. Soon as a guy gets on base, that switches gears. So it was fun.’’
Globe: No pain and some gain for Bailey
They key part of this situation is the Red Sox looking to pitch Bailey in 6 or 7 more appearances. He needs the work and to work out any rust before April comes around. Bailey did not get a warm welcome from the Marlins, as he got tagged for 3 hits and 1 earned run, but he was throwing well.
There is not much pressure riding on Bailey this season, all he has to do is not screw up!
Related links: CSNNE: Bailey satisfied with first Red Sox appearance | ESPN Boston: Takeaways from the Fort: Beckett goes wild | Herald: Andrew Bailey saves best for later
On page 2, Short rest caused Beckett to pitch wild to start the game.
“Just getting too fast,” Beckett said.
When his four-inning stint was over, he had thrown 33 strikes and an uncharacteristic 24 balls, a ratio of 1.38. While never known for his control, Beckett has a better strike-to-ball ratio (1.80) and walk rate (6.8 percent) over the past three years than any other current Red Sox pitcher.
In the end, he held the Marlins to one run on one hit in four innings, which prompted him to say the “results were good,” and he has now adjusted to pitching every three days.
“For me, it’s just about how my body feels,” he said. “In spring training, especially pitching every three days instead of four, it can take its toll. Today was the first time I felt when I got done in the bullpen that I was loose and ready to go.”
ESPN Boston: Takeaways from the Fort: Beckett goes wild
The great thing about Beckett's outing was his ability to settle down and pitch well through innings 2-4. Beckett looks like he picked up where he left off in 2011, and he is beginning to adjust to life without Varitek. He doesn't have much of a choice.
Related link: Globe: Rest a changeup for Beckett
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston: Valentine on the art of the bunt | Herald: How the Red Sox rate | Ozzie Guillen's proficient in profanity | Providence Journal: Valentine sarcastically excited for Yankees
Original Story:
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March 13, 2012
