Daniel Bard's Future Hashed Out Today

The Bard Of Pawtucket

The big Pow-Wow (with apologies to Elizabeth Warren) about Daniel Bard will take place today. The Yawkey Way Brain Trust (Cherington, Valentine, and Bard himself) will gather to hash out exactly what to do with the former "closer-in-waiting". Banished to the hinterlands of the 'State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations', the former fire-baller is working out his 'release point', which he's hoping is not a euphemism for DFA'd.  How long will this very puritanical shunning last? According to BenCher: “I think it’ll be a quick turnaround.”

The big problem is Bard's fastball—or more precisely, the lack thereof. Formerly arriving at triple-digit levels, he now routinely lays it up at 94MPH. That's good for mere mortals—but a shadow of Bard's former intimidating self. Unfortunately, the logical replacement for Bard—Daisuke Matsuzaka—was not impressive last night. He faced just nine AAA batters, giving up a run on three hits and two walks on 40 pitches. This is a critical watershed moment for your 2012 Carmine Hose. Will they push on with their recent resurgence, or collapse back into the September 2011/April 2012 malaise?