It took Daniel Bard just 94 pitches to get through six-and-two-thirds, then the wheels fell off. Nineteen pitches later (walk, single, walk, and a walk to force in a run), Bard got the hook and was tagged with the loss. Considering the guy was a reliever until this year and it was almost 90 degrees out, maybe he should have been pulled after the first walk…or the single…or the second walk. And there was a visit to the mound thrown in there to complete the 2003ish nightmare.
The Red Sox have played ten games, and I submit the starting pitcher has been left in too long in three of those. Lester on opening day, Bard’s first start, and today. This is not a trend any of us want to see continue. I’m sure Mr. Baseball had a logical, smile-filled explanation…but I couldn’t deal with him after the loss.
Valentine has done nothing to gain my trust, and questioning if Youk is emotionally into the game (only to backpedal later) pushed me further away. I’ll be sure and watch what he has to say weekly on The Bobby Valentine Show. Or not.
