|
PawSox fans to see the best of Bard |
|
|
Thursday, 09 April 2009 |
|
By BRENDAN McGAIR
He’s yet to bedazzle a Triple-A batter with a triple-digit fastball that’s quickly developing into his calling card. Already, though, Daniel Bard is W.W. – Worth Watching.As Media Day unfolded Tuesday at McCoy Stadium, PawSox officials were privately hedging bets as to how long the 23-year-old Bard would be entrusted in their care. Some targeted May as Bard’s graduation day to Boston. Others believe early June might be the time the University of North Carolina product blazes a trail to Fenway Park. The overwhelming vibe is that Bard is on the fast track, thanks to a cannon of a right arm that’s rapidly allowing him to hone in on big league readiness. Today he’s a member of the PawSox. By midseason (at the latest) he could serve as a late-inning link to Jonathan Papelbon. Of course, nothing is etched in stone, but don’t fault us if we daydream about Bard shutting down lineups in the heat of a pennant race. A first-round selection in 2006, Bard could develop into Boston’s secret weapon of 2009. His stuff has been touted as that potent.Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson, who today in Buffalo kicks off his fifth season at his current post, was in Fort Myers, Fla. and saw Bard dominate in Grapefruit League play (zero runs in 10 1/3 innings, 14 strikeouts). Now it’s Johnson’s job to downplay what Bard accomplished in spring training and make sure his prized pupil doesn’t get swallowed up in a sea of his own hype.“He deserves the right to come (to Pawtucket) and get his opportunities to pitch. I don’t think it’s good to say ‘Oh this Daniel Bard, he’s unhittable,’ ” Johnson said. “He’s got a great arm, he’s going to get reps, but he’s going to have ups and downs just like everyone else.” Added Johnson with a wry smile: “From a profiling standpoint, it’s very exciting as everyone will soon see.”Several reporters tried to get Bard to describe what his role with Pawtucket would entail. He wouldn’t take the bait, saying he could be called upon to fulfill a multitude of tasks. Thankfully, Johnson was a little less guarded about Bard’s deployment.“He’s going to pitch at the end of the game, multiple innings,” Johnson informed. “At first we will do with him like we do with everybody, we’ll control the innings. Danny’s going to get his work, and then we’ll start to create opportunities.”By opportunities, are we talking about Bard potentially working out of the closer’s role with an eye towards Boston? Before everyone roars that the job belongs to Papelbon until the day he’s through, there’s the long-term health of the Red Sox’s current ninth-inning stopper to strongly consider.It’s easy to get sidetracked with Papelbon because of the flair he brings to the mound (Other than Mariano Rivera, how many closers do you know have their own theme music that’s cued up the moment the bullpen door swings open?). However, these are the facts: Papelbon’s shoulder has betrayed him in two of his three seasons. The most alarming caution flag was raised last October, when Papelbon was unable to pitch Game 7 of the ALCS.A National League scout told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune last month that there still might be issues with Papelbon’s shoulder. Papelbon pooh-poohed the report, chalking it up as it being spring training and that his velocity would return to normal come Opening Day. As if right on cue, Papelbon retired Tampa Bay in order in Tuesday’s opener, throwing 15 pitches and striking out two.If we want another sign that Papelbon could be subject to far-too-soon burnout, it’s that the Red Sox looked in every direction except his when handing out long-term deals over the off-season. Jumping on the carousel were Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis and Jon Lester, all wrapped up for the foreseeable future. Though Papelbon has gone on record saying he likes the idea of proceeding year-by-year with his contract in order to maximize his earning potential, privately he has to wonder if the Boston brass believes if he’s truly worthy of a commitment of years and dollars.Which brings us back to Bard, the possible heir to Papelbon’s throne. Bard does own some closing experience, having saved seven games in Double-A Portland last year. The brief stint has only whetted his appetite for more game-on-the-line responsibilities.“I like throwing at the end of games, eighth, ninth inning,” Bard said. “Whether that means closing or being in a tight game, I do like the pressure of pitching with a close lead.” Bard has already resigned himself to the fact that he won’t be closing games for Boston any time soon. But who’s to say things can’t change down the line? For now PawSox fans should enjoy this hard-thrower with a limb straight out of Greek mythology. He’s yet to throw a pitch in PawSox togs, but already the sky appears the limit.
|
|
Last Updated ( Sunday, 19 April 2009 )
|
Horoscope
