Daniel Bard on demotion to Triple-A: “I’m just an employee here … obviously, I’m not thrilled with i

[Big Bid'Ness]

From:hardballtalk

Lost in the speculation about how long Daniel Bard‘s demotion to Triple-A will last is the fact that the Red Sox right-hander wanted nothing to do with being sent to the minors.

Bard is scheduled to make his Pawtucket debut tonight, so he spoke to the local media and made it clear to Mike Scandura of the Boston Globe that he wasn’t on board with the decision:

It’s not my decision. I’m just an employee here. Obviously, I’m not thrilled with it. If it was me making the decision it might have been different. But I tried to be respectful about it. Once I get the anger and disappointment out of the way you just have to try to make the best out of the situation.

Bard then went on to question the changes he was asked to make moving from the bullpen to the rotation, saying “we probably did a little too much” with his mechanics and “it just wasn’t the same as it used to be.”

As a reliever Bard had a 2.87 ERA, .190 oppponents’ batting average, and 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings in 193 appearances. As a starter he had a 5.30 ERA, .261 opponents’ batting average, and 5.6 strikeouts per nine innings in 10 outings, all while losing 4-5 miles per hour on his fastball.

He forced the Red Sox’s hand a bit by performing so poorly in the rotation, but it sounds like Bard is among the many people questioning how the entire situation was handled. For now the Red Sox have insisted that he remains in the rotation plans whenever he returns from the minors, but something will clearly have to change (or change back) for Bard to find success there.

 

[elcheato]

I would have just left him in the rotation in the big leagues, let him work through the season. Can't expect immediate results in his first year as a starter. Start reaping the benefits in years down the line.

As long as he stays a starter in Triple A, it isn't that bad though. Just don't panic and convert him back.

 

[The Guid]

Once he figures out how to pitch, leave him there so he can grow the fuck up. I'm getting tired of him acting like a baby.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

what a little pisser. This kind of attitude won't get him anywhere. Grow the fuck up, Bard.