The Boston Red Sox were massively favored to take home the World Series last year, and they went into September with the top record in the majors. However , the Red Sox blew their chance when they went through the worst collapse in league history. Boston went just 7-20 in the last month of the year, missing the American League Wild Card spot by a single game. Though they ended up with the fourth-best win total in the American League at 90-72, it was insignificant, because their year was spoiled by controversy thanks to rumors that floated around the starting pitchers were drinking beer and mowing down fried chicken in the clubhouse during games. The traditionally terrible finish resulted in the exit of coach Terry Francona, who has been replaced by Bobby Valentine. It's currently up to the guys and Valentine to make up for the embarrassment that occurred to the franchise last year. Here are the projected starting pitchers and bullpen situation for Boston in 2012. Read our Boston Red Sox projections to find out how we believe this squad will fare in 2012.
Projected Staff
Jon Lester (LHP) - Lester turned in another decent showing last year, where he went 15-9 with a 3.47 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 31 starts. He is heading into 2012 with back-to-back All-Star showings and as the anchor of one of the very best groups in the league. The 28-year-old ought to have a similar number line in 2012, with a probability of a couple more victories this year.
Josh Beckett (RHP) - The 2011 argument per all of the clubhouse drinking targeted on Beckett, so he should start strong this season in the hope of saving face with the Boston fans. Last season, the vet went 13-7 with a career-best 2.89 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 30 starts. He has , however , tried hard to string powerful seasons together late in his career. In 2010, he went just 6-6 with a 5.78 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in 21 starts.
Clay Buchholz (RHP) - A stress fracture in his lower back limited Buchholz to just 18 games in 2011. He was able to win 6 games with a respectable 3.48 ERA last year. Though definitely not better than his 2009 season, in which he went 17-7 with a 2.33 ERA, his stats were still decent, given his situation. The Red Sox hope that the 27-year-old can return to form and win over 15 games this year.
Daniel Bard (RHP) - The Red Sox are hoping Bard can transition seamlessly from reliever to starter this year. For a couple of years now, he's been one of the best set up blokes in the majors, with 66 holds. But starting is a completely different game. If he will be able to come close to his career 2.88 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, Bard may be one of the larger surprises in this year.
Alfredo Aceves (RHP) - Another reliever the Red Sox are attempting to groom to be the starter this season is Alfredo Aceves. He posted a 2.61 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 55 appearances last season, including 4 starts. If he is unable to make an acceptable transition, look for Andrew Miller to get another shot at holding the No. 5 spot in the rotation.
Projected Closer
Andrew Bailey (RHP) - After watching closer Jonathan Papelbon go off with the Phillies, the Red Sox counteracted by dealing with the Oakland A's for Bailey this past winter. Bailey saved 75 games in three years with the A's, posting a career 2.07 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. He has converted 89 percent of his save opportunities, but he has struggled with injuries the past two years.
Projected Staff
Jon Lester (LHP) - Lester turned in another decent showing last year, where he went 15-9 with a 3.47 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 31 starts. He is heading into 2012 with back-to-back All-Star showings and as the anchor of one of the very best groups in the league. The 28-year-old ought to have a similar number line in 2012, with a probability of a couple more victories this year.
Josh Beckett (RHP) - The 2011 argument per all of the clubhouse drinking targeted on Beckett, so he should start strong this season in the hope of saving face with the Boston fans. Last season, the vet went 13-7 with a career-best 2.89 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 30 starts. He has , however , tried hard to string powerful seasons together late in his career. In 2010, he went just 6-6 with a 5.78 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in 21 starts.
Clay Buchholz (RHP) - A stress fracture in his lower back limited Buchholz to just 18 games in 2011. He was able to win 6 games with a respectable 3.48 ERA last year. Though definitely not better than his 2009 season, in which he went 17-7 with a 2.33 ERA, his stats were still decent, given his situation. The Red Sox hope that the 27-year-old can return to form and win over 15 games this year.
Daniel Bard (RHP) - The Red Sox are hoping Bard can transition seamlessly from reliever to starter this year. For a couple of years now, he's been one of the best set up blokes in the majors, with 66 holds. But starting is a completely different game. If he will be able to come close to his career 2.88 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, Bard may be one of the larger surprises in this year.
Alfredo Aceves (RHP) - Another reliever the Red Sox are attempting to groom to be the starter this season is Alfredo Aceves. He posted a 2.61 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 55 appearances last season, including 4 starts. If he is unable to make an acceptable transition, look for Andrew Miller to get another shot at holding the No. 5 spot in the rotation.
Projected Closer
Andrew Bailey (RHP) - After watching closer Jonathan Papelbon go off with the Phillies, the Red Sox counteracted by dealing with the Oakland A's for Bailey this past winter. Bailey saved 75 games in three years with the A's, posting a career 2.07 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. He has converted 89 percent of his save opportunities, but he has struggled with injuries the past two years.
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