It looks as if the Boston Red Sox have officially signed another pitcher. And his name is not Roy Oswalt.
Right-handed slinger Daniel Bard has signed on for a one-year deal worth $1.6125 million, according to ESPN.com. That number is the exact midpoint between the salaries offered by the two negotiating sides, who had been heading towards arbitration.
The 26-year-old pitcher is coming off of the worst season of his career with the Red Sox, in terms of earned runs (27) and win/loss record (2-9). The Sox are hoping that Bard will be able to fill the void behind Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz in the starting rotation.
Of course, Bard’s role is subject to change, especially if the Red Sox are serious about their pursuit of Oswalt.
