SPECULATOR: Spring Training "What if"s — AL Edition
Feb 19 2012
In our 2012 debut this week, we kick off our pre-season coverage with a set of "What if..." questions from around the American League.
What if Daniel Bard (RHP, BOS) doesn't stick in the Boston rotation?
With a couple of openings in the back of their rotation, the Red Sox enter camp this month with the intent of stretching out Daniel Bard as a starting pitcher. But, as we saw with Neftali Feliz a year ago, stretching out in March does not necessarily preclude a return to the bullpen in April. If Bard does go back to the bullpen, what might his role be?
Newcomers Mark Melancon and Andrew Bailey are likely to handle the 8th- and 9th-inning roles, respectively, if Bard is in the rotation. If Bard comes back to the pen, that plan may...
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From Speculator
Reviewing the entire list of "UP:" batters with thoughts on those whose outlooks may have changed.
Jan 21 2026 3:02am
Jan 21 2026 3:02am
A look back at some early/mid-season Speculator calls to see how things shook out.
Sep 17 2025 3:08am
Sep 17 2025 3:08am
Our annual exercise of giving out second chances to those who, frankly, stunk up the joint in 2025.
Sep 10 2025 3:11am
Sep 10 2025 3:11am
Can we extract fantasy value from September auditions? Plus, a quick check on how team schedules shake out over the final month.
Aug 27 2025 3:06am
Aug 27 2025 3:06am
A mid-summer check on whose skills have improved or faded the most from the beginning of the season.
Aug 20 2025 3:06am
Aug 20 2025 3:06am
