Junichi Tazawa, Mark Melancon and Sox Bullpen Provide Optimism for Ben Cherington Going Forward (Video)

by Ethan Bukowiec on Tue, Sep 25, 2012 at 10:28PM

While the last few months of baseball haven't given Red Sox fans much to cheer about, management has a positive outlook for the future.

Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington sat down with Peter Gammons before Tuesday's game against the Rays and explained why some late season performances have given the team something to look forward to.

While the Red Sox haven't been able to fire on all cylinders throughout September, the bullpen has been strong. Junichi Tazawa has been particularly stellar, boasting a 1.54 ERA and 43 strikeouts in the 34 games he has pitched this season.

The thought of Mark Melancon's name might still make man Sox fans cringe, but the reliever is living up to the promise he
showed while with the Houston Astros. In the last seven innings he has pitched, the right-hander has allowed only one run.

There are still a few games left to play in the 2012 season, and there are a few glimmers of hope shining for 2013.

To hear what Cherington thinks about his recent bullpen stars, check out the video above.