Closer Controversy, Again?



Last night the Red Sox were leading 3-1 going into the bottom of the ninth inning in Toronto, at the beginning of the season the ball would be handed to Joel Hanrahan, recently it would have been given to Andrew Bailey. Bailey had been clutch in the role of closer as of recently, while Hanrahan had a shaky start to the season. When Hanrahan went on the DL Bailey quickly jumped all over his chance to be the closer. In his 13 appearances this season he has a 1-0 record, 5 saves, 20 strikeouts in 12.1 innings pitched. Hanrahan on the other hand has appeared in 8 games and has a record of 0-1 with 4 saves and 4 strikeouts. In 6.2 innings of work he 7 runs on 9 hits, including 3 home runs.
When Hanrahan came off of the DL recently he said that he would be happy to pitch anywhere to help the team. Last night when Hanrahan was given the opportunity to close out the game it surprised many. Bailey had taken over the closer role and the only seemed reason that he would not enter the game to close it out would be an injury. After the game it was announced that Bailey was day-to-day with right biceps discomfort. It seems like manager Farrell is taking precautions to make sure Bailey doesn't pitch through a small injury and make it worse. After the game Bailey was quoted saying "Just kind of felt a little something last time I pitched and we're just being very precautious with it, they want to be smart about it and take the extra time. Shouldn't be more than a couple days".
While last night I was surprised and slightly concerned by the decision to put Hanrahan in the game to try and close it out I am happy that they are taking it safe with Bailey. It seems like the closing job is Bailey's to keep, but Hanrahan has the ability to come in and close games. Were you worried when Hanrahan entered the game last night? Who deserves the closer role, Bailey or Hanrahan. Let me know what you think in the comments below or on twitter @ryanthahawaiian.