Full Count
A Furiously Updated Red Sox Blog
WEEI.com Blog Network
RSS
Some things we learned after talking to John Farrell, Red Sox assistant GM Brian O’Halloran, new closer Joel Hanrahan 12.26.12 at 5:19 pm ET
By Rob Bradford

Joel Hanrahan has been named the new Red Sox closer. (AP)

The Red Sox held two conference calls Wednesday afternoon, one with assistant general manager Brian O’Halloran (GM Ben Cherington was traveling), and another with newly acquired closer Joel Hanrahan.

Here are some things we learned from the two media sessions (along with another phone conversation WEEI.com had with Red Sox manager John Farrell).

1. Farrell kept in contact with Andrew Bailey throughout the trade talks involving Hanrahan, as was first revealed by O’Halloran:

“I spoke with John earlier, and he has spoken with both Bailey and Hanrahan, so I don’t mind sharing with you that John plans to go into the spring with Hanrahan as the closer,” the assistant GM said. “He talked to Andrew. We see Andrew as playing a very important role in the back end of our bullpen as well. There will be plenty of opportunities for him to help us win games in key situations late in the game, and we know he’s very capable both of closing and pitching in other high-leverage situations at the ends of games. It’s not too often you get a chance to add a two-time All-Star closer to the mix, so we’re excited to do that with Joel. We think it will strengthen the group and make everybody better out there.”

And when Farrell eventually broke the news to Bailey he isn’t currently viewed as the Red Sox’ closer?

“In talking to Andrew and explaining to him what our approach was, it was by no means a reflection on him personally. But the fact we were able to add a very good closer to our bullpen it really has a chance to deepen a strong group that emerged last year. … [Bailey] was a pro about it. He understood. He has strong belief and confidence in himself, which we like. He was a pro about it. He will be in an important role for us late in the game.”

2. Evidently, the June interleague series between the Red Sox and Pirates in Pittsburgh  – in which Hanrahan picked up a pair of saves — left quite an impression on the Sox.

“It definitely made an impression on me,” said O’Halloran. “I hadn’t seen very much of him. I’d seen him just a little bit here and there prior to that, and that was pretty impressive. If you go back and look at the video of that, it was not fun to be in the batter’s box against Joel Hanrahan for our hitters. We’re excited to have him on our side. Obviously the track record is lengthy the last few years as a closer. But that did absolutely make a strong impression on us.

“Certainly have had our eye on him since he’s moved to that role at the back end of the pen have been very impressed by him. Those types of guys don’t usually become available very often. There was nothing in the past to lead us to believe we could have acquired him. We’ve certainly always liked him and believed he could pitch successfully in our division.”

During that series, Hanrahan threw 27 of his 35 pitches at 97 mph or better, facing David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Adrian Gonzalez and Jacoby Ellsbury.

What does Hanrahan remember about the series?

“The biggest thing was my wife’s family was all in town,” said the reliever, whose wife’s family is from Brockton and Avon. “They’ve all been diehard Red Sox fans for the longest time, and then I came into the picture. They were there that weekend, probably like 35 of them, they had their Pirates shirts with the Red Sox hats and didn’t really know what to do. They were confused fans. It was a big series there. The Pirates were in a good spot, I think we might have been in first or second place that time of year. The stadium was sold out over the weekend. I got that strikeout of Adrian Gonzalez to end the game, and when people look back at me as a Pirate, that’s the one that stands out the most to them.

“It was a fun weekend. The Red Sox came into Pittsburgh and people thought they were going to boss the Pirates around that weekend, and I think we took two out of three from them. It was just a good time. It was fun.”

3. Both Hanrahan and the Red Sox believe they have identified what caused the pitcher’s bout of wildness during September of last season.

O’Halloran: “Obviously we looked at that very closely. We do think there are some reasons that we saw the uptick in walks. We’re going to talk to Joel, and John’s already started that process, and Juan Nieves and Gary Tuck and John will get together with Joel and throw out anything that they see and help him with that. It’s not something we’re concerned about long-term. We believe we’re going to get the guy that’s been a great closer for two years. We did pay close attention to that and look into that, but we felt very comfortable and confident that he’s going to be a really good closer for us going forward.”

Hanrahan: “I had some issues with my legs. I hurt my hamstring early on in the year, and then I had a sore ankle for a while that kind of went under wraps. I was wearing a tight ankle brace that restricted my movement, and that had something to do with it. It’s nothing I was concerned about. There’s times when you pick and choose who you want to walk when you walk someone as well. I don’t think the walks are going to be a concern. I feel good going to spring training, and that’s going to be the main thing.”

4. Hanrahan knew, with the Pirates holding just one more year of control, the likelihood was that he would be pitching for a different team in 2013.

“I knew the trade rumors were going to be blowing around this winter,” he said. “They were getting thrown around last year and throughout the year when a couple of guys got hurt. I knew the possibility was pretty likely that there was a chance I’d get traded. I’d heard the different teams, with the Red Sox, the Tigers, the Dodgers. I had heard those rumors and knew they were talking about it. When I found out the news Friday or Saturday, I just kind of felt like the Red Sox were going to be the team, I got excited, because the Red Sox have a great history and tradition. It’s a huge sports city in Boston. My wife’s family is from that area. It was nice to have some familiarity with it, get it out of the way, and focus this next six weeks on getting ready for spring training as a Red Sox.”

5. Besides Hanrahan, O’Halloran offered some other updates.

With the Stephen Drew acquisition also being announced Wednesday, the assistant GM was asked about how the Red Sox viewed the shortstop’s physical well-being. Drew had dealt with a broken ankle before coming back to play for Arizona and Oakland in 2012.

“He was one of the better everyday shortstops in baseball for quite a stretch there and then he had the really bad ankle fracture that he suffered in 2011 and it took him the full year to get back out playing which is understandable,” O’Halloran said. “It’s a really really difficult injury. But he played well down the stretch and he also helped out Oakland in their stretch drive into the playoffs after the trade. We brought him in for a physical exam and our folks were very pleased with his progress and it’s obvious to them how hard he had worked given the nature of that injury, how hard he had worked to strengthen it. We feel that he’s going to be fully healthy for us and is going to make us a better team, we’re excited to have him.”

Then there was the latest regarding Mike Napoli, who still remains in limbo after concerns popped up following his physical with the Red Sox. It has now been 23 days since the two sides agreed to a three-year, $39 million deal for the infielder. The news, however, was there was no new news.

“I can’t comment on that specifically, nothing new from what Ben said the last time he spoke with you guys,” said O’Halloran, referencing Cherington’s update on a week before when there was no new developments. “We do continue to talk to a number of free agents ongoing, as Ben alluded to previously.”

Print  |  Email  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • Soxknation

    Like Bailey has a choice?

  • Dano50

    There is always the choice of being a jerk about it.  We’ve all seen that play out at times when guys balk at their role.

  • Anonymous

    Assistant Red Sox general manager Brian O’Halloran is quoted: ”It’s not too often you get a chance to add a two-time All-Star closer to the mix.”

    With the trade for Joel Hanrahan, the Red Sox have added a two-time All Star closer for the third straight offseason (after Bobby Jenks and Andrew Bailey).

  • AL34

    Well Mr. Cherrington we had a two time all star named Jonathon Pappelbon that you guys felt was easy to replace. He wasn’t and it showed. Shaugnessey said Pappelbon was going to be a big loss and he was right.

  • Anonymous

    The Sept. swoon in 2011 wasn’t just Lester, Beckett, Buch and Lackey–tack on a couple of late inning relief jobs by JP. No one is blaming anyone but Pap has had his moments during white knuckle 9 th innings. No one is perfect. I was not unhappy when Pap signed with the Phillies. I’m happy he found a good home and had a good payday; really happy it wasn’t in Boston. 

  • Brassycop

    Your statement begins with a lie, doubtful Cherington thought replacing Paps was easy.

  • Winchester72

    Wow, Farrell, way to show off your management skills! Let the media know Bailey is second best. Maybe it would have been better just to talk vaguely and avoid the question. Cos whatever he says, Bailey is not gonna be a happy ST camper after this. I’ve never been happy about the Farrell hire. This small conference says a lot about how he handles the players. Can’t he just keep that big yap shut and stop trying to show how in charge he is.

  • Ehethw4w6jj

    enjoy the new minor league team at fenway pahhk.

  • http://twitter.com/Zj_6 Zack Jones

    You would rather they let it simmer and cause controversy instead?

  • Winchester72

    No need to let it simmer. He had to talk to Bailey. But no need to say that kind of patronizing crap either and no need to detail the conversation to the media.

  • http://twitter.com/Zj_6 Zack Jones

    Sounds to me like the assistant gm is relaying something that Farrell told him. Farrell isn’t the one quoted here. 

  • Anonymous

    Paps got an offer he wouldn’t and shouldn’t have gotten from the Sox.  Case closed, stawp your cryin.  Wow, Buchholz had the team lead in wins with 11???!

  • Anonymous

    Return of the smurfs

  • innovator

    Okay,so we now have THREE SLOT RECEIVERS,and maybe Emmanuel sanders…I need someone to give me detailed reasons how lining up Edelman with our offense instead of Laurent Robinson,promotes more issues for opposing defenses…we have no outside receivers….!! Look at our last three playoff losses: All good defenses,nobody for us to stretch the field allowing other guys to get open,Brady pump faking,pump faking,and pump faking because no one’s open,and him staring at 8 guys in coverage…

  • innovator

    Sorry,i meant to say good opposing defenses in our last three playoff losses….Am I the only one that sees that we’re the only team in the NFL without more than one downfield playmaker? The short passing ONLY offense isn’t working…You need BOTH!!

  • Fact

    Laurent Robinson may never play again where Edelman will.

  • cfn

    Edelman role will be virtually to back up Amendola if he goes down, as well playing him when Amendola is resting. Also will be returner. Brady has a good connection with Edelman about 65% pass completion rate.

  • innovator

    Why? What happened? Did I miss something?

  • innovator

    My point was either Edelman OR Donald Jones,but not both…Esp with having Amendola..

  • Bruinman86

    Good depth move. If only the kid could stay healthy.

  • Jimmy Freeze

    …another brick in the wall…

  • http://www.facebook.com/derek.lee.82 Derek Lee

    The offseason is still young, I wouldn’t pull your hairs out just yet, good man.

  • Anonymous

    Sanders, Jenkins, and Jones are outside wrs. Amendola and Edelman are the only true slot wr’s in that group.

    The Patriots need to use their first round pick on a franchise interior offensive lineman or a defensive end far more than they need Robinson who is an RFA and would require a 1st round pick as compensation for signing him.

  • http://www.facebook.com/paul.barsalou.9 Paul Barsalou

    NFL chanel last night said Pats have one of best Olines in NFL so why waste a 1st pick DEPTH D line pass rusher I agree

  • http://www.facebook.com/paul.barsalou.9 Paul Barsalou

    GEEK

  • Anonymous

    Well, ideally in round 1, I would draft a 5 technique DE, in the mold of a Seymour like a 6’6″ 300 lbs who can two gap and rush the passer. That way Kelly is a backup to your rookie first round draft pick DE. Bill’s first round pick history is solid so if he takes a player in the first he is normally a solid player.

    I think this team’s O Line is an offensive guard or center away from being the best in Patriots history. Improving the O line improves the entire offense both in the passing game and the running game. Moving forward keeping Brady as healthy as possible and limiting his hits is the most important thing. I would absolutely use the second round pick on an interior O lineman. Bill’s second round pick history blows except when he drafts O lineman, so rather than wasting the 2nd rounder on another CB, I would rather have a solid Guard or center.

  • innovator

    If we’re going to draft a 5 technique DE,who would you suggest playing on the other side of Chandler Jones at 3-4 OLB? You think that Kawaan Short may fall into the second at the 5 technique,while we pray that a Damontre Moore could fall to us at #29 best case scenario?? You think another 5 tech like Jesse Williams could fall to us as well? I’m just glad that I’m not the only one that sees Love,Deaderick and Pryor as true backups…We need to get back the the Wilfork,Seymour,Warren days of the unbeatable three man fronts,and you can’t do it with ham and eggers like what we’ve had….Bill’s first rounds have been decent,,,its his second and third where he BETTER draft for need this year,and not reach for 6th round talents,and non need positions…

  • innovator

    Haha,,I know,but we’ve been lighting picks on fire for 8 years now! Frustrating….If we grab a legit deep threat,a legit pass rusher opposite Chandler Jones,and a stud to play along side Wilfork,I’ll be a happy man,Derek!! I fear that with our first three picks,BB will draft a guard,a kicker ,and a quarterback….I wouldn’t put it past him…

  • innovator

    I have no issues with Edelman,but it should’ve been Edelman over Jones,not both guys….Much rather have Edelman and a legitimate outside receiver…Edelman will be good slot insurance,which truthfully was supposed to be what Jones does,with Edelman having more value because of special teams,and system knowledge…

  • innovator

    Agreed on the first round pick,unless Cordarelle Patterson or Keenan Allen fall to 29..Having studs outside in your front 7 will make an average secondary look like world beaters!! I agree…..However,Mike Jenkins and Donald jones can’t get out of their own way when running OUTSIDE routes,nor draw the safety help away from the short,nor create any separation whatsoever…Edelman is very effective in the slot,but is extremely predictable when running OUTSIDE routes,and gets consistently shut down in single coverage…Manny Sanders is needed,but funny how he actually worked out of the slot the majority of the time in Pittsburgh…I pray that Molasses Mike Jenkins gets cut in minicamp,and Belichick uses a couple of picks to grab a couple of guys like Aaron Dobson and Kenny Stills….I Like Edelman,but he’s a true slot guy/special teams only…Edelman and Jones truly play the same position(word is that Jones will be playing slot,not starting though),,,add Amendola,now you have 5 guys who excel at running routes in the same short area of the field(add gronk and hernandez),but only Sanders,and possibly Amendola to stretch…IMHO,I’d be looking at either Danario Alexander or Laurent Robinson on the cheap,or believe it or not,I’d even consider bringing back Randy Moss as well…We need one of those 3 guys,but absolutely no Mike Jenkins…You can’t run a 4.9 ,run weak routes .and expect to get open in Josh McDaniels offense…Hopefully Jenkins is just a camp body.. .

  • innovator

    Danario Alexander has a sixth round tender…Laurent Robinson is a UFA…Only reason why Robinson was cut,because his cap hit was 7 mil,while Cecil Shorts and Justin Blackmon passed him on the depth chart…..Robinson consistently made big plays for Dallas(was living there at the time,saw a lot of him),to the tune of 11 touchdowns….Just a thought….Robinson/Alexander much much > Donald Jones,Molasses Mike..

  • innovator

    I didn’t mean to say that I didn’t think Edelman was important,but the slot role was supposed to be for Donald Jones(which I like Edelman much,much better)…My issue was having the both of them….Much rather have Edelman than Jones….Insider had been saying Jones for slot…Jones signed a three year deal…I’d rather use Jones roster spot for a rookie outside burner,no question…Jones is limited,,a kid has potential….

  • Dano S

    Patriot Predictions 81.0 1 Trade for 2 and 3. 2 Robert Woods WR USC
    2 Trade for 3 and 4. 3 Justin Pugh OT/G Syracuse 3 Marc Anthony CB Cal.
    3 Possible pick to Pittsburgh for Emmanuel Sanders. 4 John Simon DE Ohio State.
    7 Izaan Cross DE Georgia Tech 7 Cierre Wood RB Notre Dame.

  • laurence

    Well finally good signing news from the Pats.Hope he learns how to take care of his body this year. He was wreckless at times last year but I ike him.

  • Anonymous

    Let’s say they draft either Sylvester Williams or Jesse Williams who are the best rated 5 technique DE’s according to some. Then your 3-4 alignment would be pretty solid.

    RE Jones, NT Wilfork, LE Williams
    ROLB Mayo, ILB Spikes, ILB Hightower, LOLB Ninkovich

    Also if you went with a 4-3 you would be far improved with a upgraded DE.

    RE Jones, DT Wilfork, DT Kelly or Love, LE Williams
    OLB Mayo, ILB Spikes, OLB Hightower

    However, if they do not draft a DE this team will have to rely on Kelly or Love or Deadrick and we have seen in years past that is not good enough. Wilfork is getting older and in order to improve the defense the defensive line needs some investment. Every d lineman Bill has drafted in the first round has panned out from Seymour to Warren to Wilfork to Jones. All made impacts their rookie years.

    This team keeps losing games in the playoffs because they cannot control the line of scrimmage on offense or attack the line of scrimmage on defense. Upgrading this team’s d and o line should be the number one priority remaining.

    If we can somehow get a physical outside wr as well that would be great, but we have won with far worse WR corps than what we will have entering next season.

Red Sox Box Score
Red Sox Schedule
Baseball Analytics Blog
Red Sox Headlines
Red Sox Minor League News
Red Sox Team Leaders
MLB Headlines
Tips & Feedback

Verify