The Red Sox pitching staff has been anything but stellar this season. The starters have been giving up tons of runs and when there is a lead the relievers have been giving it away. One man that has stepped up and is carrying his weight among the staff is Matt Barnes.
Barnes came into this season has the co-favorite for the empty closer spot along with Ryan Brasier. Red Sox manager Alex Cora was coy all spring training about who would be the closer when the game was on the line. Early on they seemed to alternate in their opportunities to finish games.