It is being reported that the Red Sox have signed Dan Wheeler. The former Rays reliever should be an asset, if used correctly, in the revamped pen. Wheeler should primarily face right-handed hitters, as he did with the Sox A.L. East rival.
Wheeler’s slider makes him tough on right-handed hitters but without a similar pitch to baffle southpaws, he struggles. Hopefully, we should see Wheeler in sixth or seventh inning facing back-to-back righties when the Sox have the lead.
With the apparent additions of Bobby Jenks and Wheeler, the bullpen is coming together quickly. Wakefield and Atchison are on duty early. Jenks, Jonathan Papelbon, and Daniel Bard are an adequate trio for the late innings. Wheeler is the ROOGY or right-handed one out guy and a number of pitchers will be battling for that LOOGY spot at the Fort during Spring Training.
This has been a great hot stove season for the Sox. Other than behind the plate, it is tough to find a weakness on the Olde Towne Team.