Bullpen positives and negatives

Look on the bright side. When it comes to the Sox best relief pitchers, all are home grown.

Yet, outside of Jonathan Papelbon, Daniel Bard and Manny Delcarmen there has not been a lot to like about the Sox bullpen this year. You probably had the feeling, as I did, heading into the season that the relief corps would be somewhat of a problem when the big decision heading out of Fort Myers was whether to carry Scott Schoeneweis or Scott Atchison.

Into the second week of June, the Sox bullpen has an ERA of 4.24. Compare that to the strong relief that a team like the Padres are getting (2.70 ERA) or or the Rays (3.23) and you see just how far off the pace Boston has fallen in an area that presumably was a strength coming into the season and was a relative strength last year (3.80 ERA).

Sounding the alarms from the pen

I love to preach patience and we have a long season ahead, but I think it's time to question the bullpen. It's only been 4 games, but a team putting big situations in the hands of Scott Schoeneweis and Scott Atchinson might want to start looking for help. Of course we know that isn't the only trouble, but I'm starting to wonder if we have the arms to get to Daniel Bard, Hideki Okajima and Jonathon Papelbon.

Our lefty specialist has already been called on to face left handers and while he has a career xFIP of 3.53, but if you try to stretch him his xFIP jumps to 5.19. This should limit his usage exclusively to lefty hitters and should not be used for any more than that.

Red Sox add Kevin Frandsen, Scott Schoeneweis

The Red Sox made a couple moves yesterday to shore up their depth. For starters, Brian Shouse was released and Scott Schoeneweis picked up. It was clear the Sox weren't too keen on Shouse and his low 80s fastball from day one. Schoeneweis certainly throws harder (88) but hasn't exactly been effective either. Right now, I'd bank money on Joe Nelson getting a spot in the bullpen, with either Schoeneweis, Embree or Scott Atchinson the final spot. Don't forget, someone has to go down if and when Daisuke Matsuzaka returns.

Kevin Frandsen also is a new face, being acquired from the Giants for a player to be named later or cash considerations. I've had my eye on this guy for a while, and while he isn't slick at shortstop he certainly has a good chance of not embarrassing himself there. The 27-year-old has no problems contributing with the bat at the minor league level but has yet to find success in the majors. You can do a lot worse than Frandsen, and if Mike Lowell hits the disabled list, he becomes the immediate favorite to fill the final bench spot.