John Farrell wasted little time in naming his new closer
Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell wasted little time in deciding who will be the closer for 2013. Joel Hanrahan was chosen over incumbent Andrew Bailey, nipping in the bud any potential for a closer controversy heading into spring training.
Hanrahan was acquired in a six player trade that sent right-handers Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel, infielder Ivan De Jesus and first baseman Jerry Sands to the Pirates in exchange for Hanrahan and infielder Brock Holt.
Bailey or Koji Uehara, who recently signed a one-year deal with Boston, will now likely move into a setup role for Hanrahan, although Bailey could serve as a backup closer as well.
Hanrahan has had 76 saves since 2011, and has struck out an average of 9.9 batters per nine innings pitched in his career, although his walk ratio has increased from 2.1 to 5.4 per nine innings.
“His stuff, as I’m sure you’ve seen, is right at the top of the scale. He’s got a fastball in the upper 90s, and when he’s right, his slider is as good as anybody’s in baseball,” assistant general manager Brian O’Halloran said. “I spoke with John earlier, and he has spoken with both Bailey and Hanrahan, so I don’t mind sharing with you that John plans to go into the spring with Hanrahan as the closer. He talked to Andrew.”
