With the start of spring training right around the corner, fans of the Boston Red Sox have plenty to look forward to this season. The Red Sox train at JetBlue Park at Fenway South located in Ft. Myers, Florida.

Note: All start times Eastern and all “Home” games take place in Ft. Myers.

Mar 3, Northeastern at Boston Red Sox (SS), 2:35 p.m.

Mar 3, Boston College at Boston Red Sox (SS), 7:05 p.m.

Mar 4, Minnesota Twins at Boston Red Sox, 1:35 p.m.

Mar 5, Boston Red Sox at Minnesota Twins (Ft. Myers, FL), 7:05 p.m.

Mar 6, Baltimore Orioles at Boston Red Sox, 1:35 p.m.

Mar 7, Boston Red Sox at Toronto Blue Jays (Dunedin, FL), 1:05 p.m.

Mar 8, Boston Red Sox at St. Louis Cardinals (Jupiter, FL), 1:05 p.m.

Mar 9, Pittsburgh Pirates at Boston Red Sox, 7:05 p.m.

Mar 10, Tampa Bay Rays at Boston Red Sox, 7:05 p.m.

Mar 11, Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles (Sarasota, FL), 1:05 p.m.

Mar 12, Miami Marlins at Boston Red Sox, 1:35 p.m.

Mar 13, Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees (Tampa, FL), 7:05 p.m.

Mar 15, St. Louis Cardinals at Boston Red Sox, 2:35 p.m.

Mar 16, Minnesota Twins at Boston Red Sox, 7:05 p.m.

Mar 17, Baltimore Orioles at Boston Red Sox (SS), 1:35 p.m.

Mar 17, Boston Red Sox (SS) at Baltimore Orioles (Sarasota, FL), 1:05 p.m.

Mar 18, Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays (Pt. Charlotte, FL), 1:05 p.m.

Mar 19, Minnesota Twins at Boston Red Sox, 1:35 p.m.

Mar 20, Toronto Blue Jays at Boston Red Sox, 7:05 p.m.

Mar 21, Boston Red Sox at Pittsburgh Pirates (Bradenton, FL), 1:05 p.m.

Mar 22, New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox, 7:05 p.m.

Mar 23, Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles (Sarasota, FL), 1:05 p.m.

Mar 24, Philadelphia Phillies at Boston Red Sox (SS), 1:35 p.m.

Mar 24, Boston Red Sox (SS) at Miami Marlins (Jupiter, FL), 1:05 p.m.

Mar 25, Boston Red Sox at Toronto Blue Jays (Dunedin, FL), 1:05 p.m.

Mar 26, Boston Red Sox at Philadelphia Phillies (Clearwater, FL), 1:05 p.m.

Mar 27, Tampa Bay Rays at Boston Red Sox, 1:35 p.m.

Mar 29, Toronto Blue Jays at Boston Red Sox, 1:35 p.m.

Mar 30, Boston Red Sox at Minnesota Twins (Ft. Myers, FL), 1:05 p.m.

Mar 31, Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays (Pt. Charlotte, FL), 1:05 p.m.

Apr 1, Minnesota Twins at Boston Red Sox, 1:35 p.m.

Apr 2, Washington Nationals at Boston Red Sox, 1:35 p.m.

Apr 3, Boston Red Sox at Washington Nationals (Washington, D.C.), 6:05 p.m.

Sources:

All data provided by MLB.com

Paul Rados is a Cleveland based freelance sportswriter and Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook. For a complete look at his freelance work please visit his Blog.

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In an effort to address the team’s bullpen needs, the Boston Red Sox acquired all-star closer Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney from the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday for outfielder Josh Reddick and two minor league prospects. The move comes a week after the Red Sox attempted to obtain Bailey and pitcher Gio Gonzalez; with the Nationals getting Gonzalez in a separate deal.

The trade helps address the teams glaring pitching weakness, as all-time Red Sox saves leader Jonathan Papelbon departed for the Philadelphia Phillies. In a smaller deal earlier in the month, Boston traded minor league talent to the Houston Astros for late-inning reliever Mark Melancon. The expectation would be that if other deals could not be arranged during the off-season, the Red Sox would have at least one additional arm in the bullpen; one with prior closer experience.

The loss of Josh Reddick will be of little impact on the Red Sox, despite his .280 batting average. In the trade, the Sox also obtained a platoon outfielder in Ryan Sweeney who will compete with minor leaguers Daniel Nava and Ryan Kalish both have previous major league experience with Boston.

Bailey arrives in Boston after serving as the A’s primary closer the past three seasons; compiling a 7-10 record and a 2.07 earned run average. The righty has saved 75 games during that span; with just nine blown saves. This past season, Bailey saw his earned run average climb to 3.24, but still maintained a respectable walks per innings pitched ratio of 1.10.

The acquisition of Bailey will come as a welcomed addition, as the Red Sox now have some pitching flexibility with three quality arms at the end of the bullpen; including Daniel Bard who may see his role changed to become a starting pitcher in 2012. In four career appearances in Fenway Park, Bailey has accounted for three saves and an earned run average of 7.20. Not exactly statistics that generate much optimism. From an optimist’s perspective, the new closer has garnered 15 saves in 15 opportunities against the eastern division’s primary competition (New York, Tampa, and Toronto). Which version of the closer will take the mound for Boston is still anyone’s guess.

With the addition of returning left-handed utility pitchers Alfredo Aceves and Andrew Miller, along with specialists Matt Albers and Bobby Jenks; Boston has some pitchers to work with. Aceves and Bard both have been identified by the team as possible candidates to fortify the starting rotation. Last season Aceves’ versatility made him one of the most valuable pitchers on the staff; compiling a 10-2 record with a 2.61 earned run average. The 30-year old right-hander also started four games for Boston last season; where he posted a 1-1 record over 21 innings pitched.

Bailey may bring some stability, but the level of remaining talent in the bullpen is untested at best. Last season’s free agent bust, Bobby Jenks figures to be part of the equation in 2012; but his performance was disappointing at best.

In order to maintain the fiscal responsibility promised by Red Sox management this winter, the team will likely look to the minor leagues for promising youngsters to help fortify the bullpen. Lefty relievers Felix Doubront and Junichi Tazawa will join right hander Michael Bowden as strong candidates to fill critical middle innings assignments.

Thus far, the Red Sox offseason moves have done little to change the lingering memories of last season’s September collapse. The impact of losing Papelbon will not be fully known until his replacements take the mound and prove their worth. Boston is unlikely to make any additional moves to address the closer role and their aggressive effort in obtaining Bailey demonstrates a high level of confidence that he will be able to perform as needed next season. For Red Sox Nation’s sake, I hope that he delivers as promised as well.

Scott Duhaime is a fan of the Boston Red Sox for over 30 years. His professional career includes a solid foundation of analytics that contributes to a better appreciation of player and team contributions.

Sources

Yahoo! Sports Article: A’s Trade Bailey, Sweeney to Red Sox

Yahoo! Sports Player Profiles: Andrew Bailey, Ryan Sweeney, Josh Reddick

Yahoo! Sports: Boston Red Sox Home Page

Yahoo! Sports: MLB Pitching Statistics

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OAKLAND, Calif. – Bobby Valentine has found his new man for the back end of the Boston bullpen.

The Oakland Athletics traded all-star closer Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney to the Red Sox on Wednesday for outfielder Josh Reddick and infield prospect Miles Head and minor league pitcher Raul Alcantara.

In the deal, first reported by ESPN, Bailey gives the Red Sox a reliable ninth-inning guy to replace the departed Jonathan Papelbon, who signed a US$50 million, four-year contract as a free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies in November.

Bailey — the 2009 AL Rookie of the Year who made the all-star team that season and again in 2010 — has been the subject of trade talk this off-season.

The right-handed Bailey, 27, went 0-4 with a 3.24 ERA and 24 saves in 41 2-3 innings and 42 appearances this year. He spent time on the disabled list for the second straight season, pitching for the first time in 2011 on May 29 after being sidelined with a strained right forearm.

Bailey becomes the fourth key pitcher traded this month for the rebuilding A’s, who dealt starter Trevor Cahill and reliever Craig Breslow to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Dec. 9 and then sent left-handed starter Gio Gonzalez to Washington last Thursday.

Reddick, who began last season at triple-A Pawtucket before being promoted in late May, will look to fill a big void in Oakland’s open outfield.

The 24-year-old Reddick batted .280 with seven homers and 28 RBIs in 87 games for Boston in 2011. He can play any outfield spot and likely will get immediate action for the A’s, who already lost outfielders David DeJesus and Josh Willingham in free agency. Center fielder Coco Crisp isn’t expected to return either.

Oakland general manager Billy Beane is retooling his roster for the future in hopes of the franchise getting the go ahead to build a new ballpark in San Jose despite the San Francisco Giants owning the territorial rights to technology-rich Santa Clara County. Beane and owner Lew Wolff have said they expect to hear soon from Commissioner Bud Selig, and Beane said the unsettled stadium situation would affect him being able to sign his own free agents this winter.

The A’s (74-88) haven’t posted a winning record or earned a playoff berth since being swept in the 2006 AL championship series by Detroit.

At last summer’s trade deadline, the A’s and Red Sox were near completion on a deal that would have sent Oakland right-hander Rich Harden of Victoria to Boston for triple-A first baseman Lars Anderson, but it fell through late because of Harden’s lengthy list of injury issues.

Former Red Sox pitching coach Curt Young returned to the A’s this off-season to work under manager Bob Melvin.

Head, a first baseman, batted .299 with 22 home runs and 82 RBIs in 129 games with the Red Sox two single-A affiliates, at Greenville and Salem.

The right-handed Alcantara, 19, combined for a 1-4 record and a 2.20 ERA in 13 starts with single-A Lowell and the Red Sox affiliate in the Gulf Coast League. He struck out 50 and walked just 12 while holding opponents to a .208 batting average.

Read More: Gio Gonzalez (P – OAK), Tom Milone (P – WAS), Derek Norris (C – WAS), Brad Peacock (P – WAS), Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals

Well, so much for that rumor. Gio Gonzalez, a left handed starting pitcher, has reportedly been traded from the Oakland Athletics to the Washington Nationals for a group of prospects, according to ESPN’s Keith Law.

The Boston Red Sox were reported to be one of two potential destinations for the A’s southpaw on Thursday afternoon, with the other being the Nationals. In exchange for Gonzalez, the Athletics will receive prospects Brad Peacock, Derek Norris, A.J. Cole and Tom Milone.

Gonzalez was drafted by the Chicago White Sox with the No. 38 overall pick in the 2004 MLB Amateur Draft, but he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2005 and later dealt again back to the White Sox before begin sent to Oakland.

In his rookie season in 2008, Gonzalez went 1-4 with a 7.68 ERA in 10 games. Gonzalez blossomed into a star in 2010, posting a 15-9 record with a 3.23 ERA and 171 strikeouts in 33 starts. Last season, Gonzalez went 16-12 with a 3.12 ERA and 197 strikeouts in 32 starts.

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over the Monster

Following the departure of Jonathan Papelbon to the Philadelphia Phillies, one of the most glaring holes the Boston Red Sox face this offseason is at closer.

While there are options available, free-agent success when dealing with closers is never a sure thing. Since the 2003 season, the Red Sox have had much success at the position but it wasn’t all great (remember the failed closer-by-committee project?). Since 2006, the Red Sox had one of the game’s best closers in Papelbon.

Any success at the closer position would be tough to duplicate when replacing via free agency but Papelbon averaged 37 saves with a 1.02 WHIP and 2.33 ERA during his time as Boston’s ninth-inning man. Love him or hate him, Papelbon was key to the team’s success and he’ll be tough to replace.

So, what are the options?

The trade to acquire Houston Astros closer Mark Melanson seemed to put an end to the closer discussion once and for all but talks have continued with Cincinnati’s Francisco Cordero, leaving, as the Red Sox Monster writes, more questions than answers.

The first and most-discussed option is Daniel Bard. Much has been discussed about Bard during the offseason. He has been considered a potential reliever-turned-starter as the team’s starting rotation needs became more apparent following the epic September collapse. He has also been considered for quite some time the heir apparent to Papelbon at the closer role.

On the surface, it makes so much sense. Bard has proven himself reliable in tough, late-game situations. He has a heavy, heavy fastball that routinely reaches triple digits during his limited one-inning appearances. That fastball has helped him develop one of the game’s nastiest sliders. In a word, Bard’s perfect for the closer role.

Questions remain, however, if and when the Red Sox name Bard their next closer. Most importantly, his move to closer would create a hole in the ever-important eighth-inning role. Alfredo Aceves, who enjoyed much success in the Red Sox bullpen last season would be a likely candidate to jump into that spot but will Aceves-to-Bard be as effective as Bard-to-Papelbon?

A second internal — and highly unlikely option — would be Bobby Jenks. The former Chicago White Sox closer was brought in prior to the 2011 season in a low-risk deal. In a perfect world, he would have performed well enough last season to ease the pain of letting Papelbon walk. Injuries and inconsistency led to Jenks throwing only 15 2/3 innings last season. Back surgery this month all but ensured that Jenks will not be closing for the Red Sox in 2012.

If they’re not sold on Melancon, the Red Sox do have options beyond Bard and Jenks, and they’re rather enticing.

Originally considered dead, the Red Sox have reportedly resumed talks with the agent for Ryan Madson, who was out of a job when the Phillies signed Papelbon. Madson recorded 32 saves with a 0.92 WHIP and 2.08 ERA last season. Madson’s asking price, however, has been rumored to be above what the Red Sox would ideally pay.

Most recently, the Red Sox have been linked to closer Francisco Cordero. The Red Sox are reportedly one of four clubs bidding for the righhander who saved 36 games for the Cincinnati Reds last season. Like Madson, Cordero’s asking price may be too much for the Red Sox. He just completed a four-year $45 million deal.

A third option and one that the Red Sox could have more stock in considering the value is Oakland Athletics closer Andrew Bailey.The 2009 American League Rookie of the Year recorded 24 saves with a 1.10 WHIP and 3.24 ERA last season. Since becoming the A’s regular starter, Bailey has averaged 25 saves, a 0.95 WHIP and 2.07 ERA. The only question surrounding Bailey is what it would take to acquire him via trade from Oakland.

Read More: Roy Oswalt (P – PHI), Boston Red Sox

Free agent starting pitcher Roy Oswalt has told teams he is interested in signing a one-year deal, and ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick suggests the Boston Red Sox are one of the teams intrigued by the possibility of signing the three-time All-Star.

Oswalt, 34, started 23 games last season for the Philadelphia Phillies, compiling a 9-10 record, 3.69 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 139.0 innings pitched. During 11 seasons in the MLB, Oswalt is 159-93 with a 3.21 ERA. The right-hander is interested in signing a one-year deal in hopes of proving that he is healthy and earning a longer, more lucrative contract after the season.

Crasnick reports that at least six teams are talking to Oswalt and suspects that the Red Sox, New York Yankees, Florida Marlins, Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals are among his suitors. The Phillies declined arbitration on Oswalt earlier this offseason.

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page or our blog, Over the Monster.