Fenway’s Futures: Daniel Bard

Daniel Bard, the 6′4″ flame thrower out of UNC has enjoyed some failures and successes as a member of the Boston Red Sox organization, has he cured those demons? or is he destined to repeat them?

As far as long term, as Bard has shown he can recover from rough spots and be a consistent/dominant reliever, I could easily project him as a long time set-up man for Jonathan Papelbon, but with the crowded pen as it is, Bard may end up being traded, or forcing the Red Sox to make a trade to accommodate a spot for him.

2009 Fire Brand of the American League: Jason Bay

While 2008 has officially come and gone and the signing of Mark Teixeira by the New York Yankees has fans of both organizations looking forward instead of back, we at Fire Brand of the American League have one last item to address before turning the page into a new calendar year; The 2009 Fire Brand of the American League Award.

Different than most awards, the FBotAL award doesn’t bestow itself upon the best player to wear a Red Sox uniform in 2009. It isn’t meant to be viewed as just another Most Valuable or Most Outstanding Player award or to acknowledge the best hitter, pitcher, or defender of the season.

The FBotAL is meant to find the player that by doing the job in front of him, and doing it so well that the team would not have achieved it’s success without him, distinguished himself without the need for accolade.