Red Sox Acquire Closer Andrew Bailey, Ryan Sweeney From Oakland in Exchange for Josh Reddick, Prospects

by abournenesn

Dec 28, 2011

Red Sox Acquire Closer Andrew Bailey, Ryan Sweeney From Oakland in Exchange for Josh Reddick, ProspectsThere is finally a resolution to the Red Sox's closing vacancy.

The Sox acquired closer Andrew Bailey from the Athletics in exchange for outfielder Josh Reddick and prospects Miles Head and Raul Alcantera, the team announced Wednesday. The Red Sox also received outfielder Ryan Sweeney in the deal.

Bailey, 27, is a two-time American League All-Star and was recognized as the 2009 AL Rookie of the Year. Through three seasons, he has converted 75 of 84 save opportunities. In 2011, Bailey recorded 24 saves and posted a 3.24 ERA despite missing nearly two months with a forearm strain and elbow inflammation.

He is likely to be the heir apparent to Jonathan Papelbon, the former Sox closer who inked a four-year, $50 million deal with the Phillies this offseason.

Daniel Bard was initially tapped as a potential replacement, but the team plans to try him out in the rotation heading into spring training. Looking to add another option, general manager Ben Cherington traded for Mark Melancon, who is now the favorite for the set-up role.

The departure of Reddick leaves a void in right field. Last season, the 24-year-old homered seven times and knocked in 28 RBIs to go with his .280 batting average.

The trade may open the door for outfielder Ryan Kalish, who suffered a torn shoulder muscle last season, to compete for the spot. During 53 games in 2010, Kalish showed promise in the majors, clubbing four home runs and 24 RBIs.

But the Athletics will receive two raw youngsters in Head and Alcantera. Head, a 20-year-old first baseman, hit .299/.372/.515 between his stints in Greenville and Salem. Alcantera, 19, started 13 games for Gulf Coast League Red Sox and the Lowell Spinners, going 1-4 with a 2.20 ERA and 50 strikeouts.

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