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kaisy
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Mar 23 2013, 08:13 AM
Post #1
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BOSTON -- If Joel Hanrahan can do for the Boston Red Sox what he did against them, they should be very happy with their new closer. Beats by Dre uk . In the first of his two All-Star seasons, the right-hander posted back-to-back saves for the Pittsburgh Pirates with perfect ninth innings against the Red Sox in June 2011. He struck out Adrian Gonzalez, who entered the series batting .359, to end the second game. "When people look back on me as a Pirate, thats the one that stands out the most to them," Hanrahan said Wednesday after being obtained in a six-player trade. People such as Red Sox assistant general manager Brian OHalloran. "It definitely made an impression on me," he said. "It was not fun to be in the batters box against Joel Hanrahan." Now American League hitters will see what its like. Boston completed the deal Wednesday, also receiving infielder Brock Holt. The Red Sox gave up right-handers Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel, infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr. and first baseman-outfielder Jerry Sands. The Red Sox also announced the signing of free agent shortstop Stephen Drew, who agreed to a one-year contract early last week. That reported $9.5 million deal was contingent on the former Oakland Athletic and Arizona Diamondback, who broke his ankle in 2011, passing a physical. "We feel that hes going to be fully healthy for us," OHalloran said. The acquisition of Drew and Hanrahan are the latest in a series of moves designed to improve on a 69-93 record and a last-place finish in the AL East. The Red Sox already have obtained right-handers Ryan Dempster and Koji Uehara, outfielders Shane Victorino and Johnny Gomes and catcher David Ross. Over the past two seasons, Hanrahan had 76 saves, fourth most in the National League, and a 2.24 ERA. Last season, he was 5-2 with a 2.72 ERA and 36 saves. The six-year veteran will take over the closers role that Alfredo Aceves struggled in most of last season before giving way to Andrew Bailey, who had missed most of the season with a right thumb injury. In his first season with Boston, Bailey was 1-1 with a 7.04 ERA and six saves in nine opportunities over 19 games. Manager John Farrell has talked with Hanrahan and Bailey and told them that Hanrahan will be the closer, although "we see Andrew as playing a very important role," OHalloran said. The Red Soxs search for a closer began when Jonathan Papelbon signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies after the 2011 season. Hanrahan figured he was part of that quest when he heard his name in trade rumours involving the Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers. "I got excited" when he learned of the trade, Hanrahan said. "Obviously, the Red Sox have a great history and tradition and its a huge sports city." In six seasons, 2 1/2 with the Washington Nationals and 3 1/2 with the Pirates, hes 22-17 with a 3.74 ERA and 96 saves in 117 chances. His best season was 2011 when he went 1-4 with a 1.83 ERA, 40 saves in 44 opportunities and just 16 walks in 68 2-3 innings. His control slipped last season when he walked 36 in 59 2-3 innings. Hanrahan said hamstring and ankle problems affected his pitching mechanics. "I dont think the walks are going to be a concern," he said. "I feel good going to spring training." Hanrahan said hes never been to Fenway Park, but OHalloran doesnt think hell have trouble adjusting to the American League. "Joel Hanrahan has the stuff to pitch anywhere," he said. Holt spent most of last season at Double-A Altoona, then hit .292 in 24 games with the Pirates, all in September. Melancon was 0-2 with a 6.20 ERA in 41 relief appearances in his only season with Boston. Pimentel spent the season at Double-A Portland. Sands and DeJesus were obtained in a trade that sent Gonzalez, Josh Beckett and Carl Crawford to the Dodgers on Aug. 25. Beats by Dre Oulet . Canadas Mark Oldershaw won Olympic bronze in the mens C-1 1000m on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games; and he accomplished it in the same city where the Oldershaw Olympic legacy all started. Beats Sale . "Im sorry to all the fans, the Tigers, my teammates and everybody out there, but I just want everyone to know that I am not anti-Semitic," the Detroit outfielder said. http://www.officialbeatsbydreshop.co.uk/ . PETERSBURG, Fla. Cheap Beats by Dre . -- No team in the NFL had a better home record than the Baltimore Ravens, who are headed to the AFC championship game on the strength of their 9-0 mark at M&T Bank Stadium. Beats by Dre Sale . Sweden was eliminated from Euro 2012 after losing to Ukraine and England in its first two group games, leading some to wonder whether the 30-year-old Ibrahimovic, who has taken breaks from international duty in the past, would return to the team when World Cup qualifying starts.FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots have released tight end Dan Gronkowski less than three weeks after he joined his brother Rob on the team. The move on Friday leaves Rob Gronkowski as the Patriots only healthy tight end for Sundays game at the Buffalo Bills. Aaron Hernandez is out with a knee injury. The Patriots signed Dan Gronkowski on Sept. 7 after he wass cut by the Denver Broncos.dddddddddddd A seventh-round draft pick from Maryland, he had nine catches in 14 games with Detroit and Denver over two seasons. He has no receptions this year. Rob has 10 catches for three touchdowns this year after having 42 receptions for 10 touchdowns as a rookie last year. Another brother, Chris, is a running back with the Indianapolis Colts. ' ' '
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