Red Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey is thrilled about new additions Crochet and Chapman, aiming to boost the team’s strikeout rate this season
Boston: The Red Sox are making some exciting moves this offseason. Their pitching coach, Andrew Bailey, is really pumped about the new guys, Garrett Crochet and Aroldis Chapman. Last season, the team struggled to get strikeouts, but that’s about to change.
Bailey recently chatted on a podcast and shared how thrilled he is about these two left-handed pitchers. He pointed out that being able to strike out batters is a game-changer. It means fewer balls in play and less chance for mistakes. Plus, it helps the starters get out of tricky situations.
Crochet is a real standout. He struck out nearly 13 batters per nine innings last year, which is impressive. And Chapman? He’s known for his power pitching since he started with the Reds back in 2010. His strikeout rate is the highest ever, which is pretty wild.
Bailey believes Crochet will be a key player for the team. After recovering from Tommy John surgery, he’s ready to take on the role of ace. The plan is to treat him like any other starter, making sure he’s healthy and ready to go.
As for Chapman, he’s almost 37 but still has a lot to offer. He can either set up or close games, and he’s had a solid track record, including 14 saves last year. Bailey is confident that Chapman will make a big impact, especially in high-pressure situations.