While Wake has every right to be displeased about the transition, the question remains: Is moving him to the bullpen a good move?
Wakefield is 43 years old, and as NESN insider Tony Massarotti pointed out on SportsDesk on Sunday, the Red Sox seem to feel Wakefield cannot hold up over a full season in the rotation.
Wakefield broke down at the All-Star break last season and is still seeking his first win since July 8, 2009. He has been increasingly plagued by problems as he gets older, and the prudent move might be to use him as insurance for the rotation.
And given Wakefield has played the reliever-spot starter role with such confidence in the past, it makes him a prime candidate to reprise that role.
The Boston bullpen has been largely ineffective so far, and it's possible that having the steadying presence of Wakefield could be the medicine the 'pen needs. Don't forget that Wakefield will be taking someone's roster spot in the bullpen, which will improve its depth.
The knuckleballer, who is 18 wins away from becoming the Red Sox' winningest pitcher of all time with 193 victories, is fresh off his first All-Star season and is coming off a quality start on Sunday. So, is sending him to the bullpen a good move for the Red Sox?
Share your thoughts below. The best comments will be read on NESN's Red Sox Gameday Live or Red Sox Final.
April 24: Should Red Sox look into the availability of Chris Davis?
