Are the Red Sox privately hoping for Daniel Bard to fail tonight in Toronto?
That's our UNO Question of the Day here at CSNNE.com, and if you feel like sounding off, head over here and type some words into the comment section.
If you'd like my take, just keep reading.
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First of all, here's the argument for "Yes" courtesy of CSNNE's devil's advocate:
"Through four games this season, the Red Sox have found themselves in a bit of a conundrum. Though Alfredo Aceves notched his first save of the season last night, Boston's closer situation is still shaky. They have a potential closer in Daniel Bard, but he's been promised a spot in the starting rotation. But if he struggles as a starter..."
Now, my take: Huh?
Come on. There's no freaking way.
First of all, Aceves is fine. Second of all, who says Bard can even close? The last time we saw this guy in bullpen, he was the worst pitcher on the entire staff, and considering this was September of 2011, that's saying something.
So now, instead of having him succeed as a starter (something you've based your entire offseason around) and help fill a void in the starting rotation (which is another HUGE problem right now) you think the Sox would rather him fall on his face, create another huge controversy, leave another enormous hole in the rotation, and shake up a staff that's already been rocked harder than the city of Pompeii?
You think there's even one person in that front office, clubhouse or wherever right now, actively thinking to themselves: "You know, I really hope Daniel Bard sucks tonight."
If so, I'd love to hear your argument, but I don't see it.
But I will see everyone tomorrow.
Rich can be reached at rlevine@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Rich on Twitter at http:twitter.comrich_levine