Andrew Bailey: Do the Boston Red Sox Know Something That We Don’t?

The so called “prodigy” who played three seasons with the Oakland Athletics, has seen a peculiar couple of years with the Boston Red Sox. A two time All Star and Rookie of the Year winner in 2009, many have to wonder what has caused the dramatic downfall of Andrew Bailey?

Though Bailey suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb in Spring Training, he returned in mid-August to a much anticipated debut. A debut and a season that went unforgettable. In just 19 games played, Bailey posted a 1-1 record with 6 saves and a drastically  high 7.04 ERA.

It may have already been a tanked season for the Sox, but Bailey’s return brought back a sign of hope to an already crushed Boston team and fan base. Unfortunately, it added fuel to the fire as the Red Sox continued their losing ways finishing the season in last place with a 69-93 record. Bailey might only be 28 with plenty of room for improvement, but should the Sox regret dealing star slugger Josh Reddick?

Statistics say yes. Reddick had a breakout season last year with Oakland, posting phenomenal numbers with 32 HR, 85 RBI and a .242 AVG. Not only was he a dominant force offensively, but he also won his first Gold Glove award for his momentum stopping defense. It may be looked at as a bad trade in the long run, but for the time being, it all made sense.

With Reddick coming off a mediocre season with 7 HR, 28 RBI and a .280 AVG in only 87 games played, Boston felt like he wasn’t the right fit in Beantown. Bailey was coming off yet another great season in Oakland and looked ready to obtain his role as a legitimate closer in the league. How quickly the roles have changed.

With Reddick being looked at as the “franchise” in Oakland and Bailey slowly withering away as a star closer, does the Sox front office know something that we don’t? Investing so much into this young player might be looked at as the wrong move, but may turn out to be the right one. Trading for closer Joel Hanrahan from the Pittsburgh Pirates is a sign that the Red Sox may have already given up on Bailey, but does he have a future in Boston?

With the Detroit Tigers reportedly interested in acquiring Bailey’s services, will the Sox give up on the project, or take their time to make it a perfection? For now, we will have to sit back and see what becomes of Andrew Bailey’s future with the Red Sox.