The Red Sox Need A Closer…Period
The Red Sox blew another potential win last night in the series opener at Fenway Park against the Texas Rangers. Chris Sale threw 7 innings and gave up 1 unearned run on 3 hits with 1 walk and 10 strikeouts.
#SaleDay stat line. đź’Ş pic.twitter.com/tEkgvRojnD
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) June 11, 2019
The Red Sox were up 2-1 in the 9th inning when Matt Barnes came in to close the game. He gave up 2 runs before departing for Heath Hembree to come clean up the mess. Thankfully, Brock Holt tied the game with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth with a base hit.
We've got a 3-3 game and a 10th inning here! pic.twitter.com/lFWyDircA5
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) June 11, 2019
Ryan Brasier came into the 11th and gave up the eventual game-winning run. For the Red Sox, this means one thing: they need a closer and they need it NOW!
The Red Sox Have 10 Blown Saves This Season
Another loss for the Red Sox, as the bullpen cost them yet another win. This time, they blew it twice which is impressive. I don’t know how many times I have to say it, but if you had a closer, you’d be in first place right now. 10 blown saves is the difference in this division.
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) June 11, 2019
Yeah, you read that right! The Red Sox have 10 blown saves in the 2019 season thus far. Like Jared Carrabis said, that’s the difference in the American League East. Last year, the Red Sox were fortunate enough to have Craig Kimbrel to save those games for you. But now, Kimbrel is a Cub and the Red Sox need to make a move to prevent blown saves from continuing at that concerning pace.
The Bullpen Is Awful In The 9th Inning
MLB ranks for Red Sox relievers in innings 7-8: 3.38 ERA (3rd), 1.14 WHIP (2nd), 10.30 K/9 (1st).
MLB ranks for Red Sox relievers in the 9th inning: 6.12 ERA (28th), 1.64 WHIP (27th), 1.44 HR/9 (20th).
Dave, you need a closer, my man.
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) June 11, 2019
Imagine having a bullpen going from the 3rd best ERA in the 7th and 8th innings to having the 3rd worst in the 9th! Well, the Red Sox are living that nightmare. Red Sox relievers seem to be able to get to the 9th no problem, and then they just can’t close out games. Dave Dombrowski, get back on the phone and start looking for closers! Unless of course, you like seeing games get blown, which I highly doubt.
In Conclusion
Go get a damn closer, please? This is getting ridiculous to watch. I shouldn’t have to fear that the Red Sox are going to blow games in the 9th inning. Forget about blowing Chris Sale starts, that is another article in itself. I love this Red Sox team through thick and thin, but it’s starting to get me anxious. If the Red Sox want any realistic chance of repeating as World Series champions, dealin’ Davey needs to get on the horn and get a guy that wants the ball in the 9th inning.
-Alan Nahigian (@BigAl2793)