The latest debate in Red Sox Nation is what to do with Daniel Bard. At one point, he looked like the closer of the future, then he was suddenly groomed for a move to the rotation. Now, after failing to impress overall this spring (12.2 IP, 7.11 ERA, 6/10 K/BB), the word is that Bard might be headed back to the pen despite the acquisitions of two closers this offseason. While Bard has been shaky at best, 12.2 innings are not nearly enough of a sample size to be able to draw a finite conclusion on whether or not he’ll be able to successfully transition to a starting role. That being said, the Sox can ill afford to have him struggle as a starter early in the regular season. The AL East is tough enough as it is and last season’s slow start ended up hurting the Sox in the end.
In this week’s poll question, we ask you to give your straight forward opinion on whether you think Bard should be put back in the bullpen or not.
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Last week, we asked you to identify one player that will have a better-than-expected season in 2012. Carl Crawford led the voting with 32-percent of votes cast. Cody Ross, who is having an excellent spring, came in a close second.
- Carl Crawford (32%, 104 Votes)
- Cody Ross (28%, 90 Votes)
- Felix Doubront (16%, 51 Votes)
- Mike Aviles (13%, 41 Votes)
- Aaron Cook (6%, 18 Votes)
- Ryan Sweeney (4%, 13 Votes)
- Other (2%, 8 Votes)
- Adam Miller (0%, 2 Votes)