Andrew Bailey Likely Needs Thumb Surgery

It what could only be termed the worst possible development, Andrew Bailey was told today by doctors that he will likely need surgery on his injured thumb. He will go to Cleveland tomorrow for a second opinion. I will refrain from the obvious punch lines inherent in this situation.

So, before he throws his first official pitch as a Red Sox player, Bailey is probably out indefinitely. No closer. Wonderful. Add to this the general shakiness of the rest of the bullpen—includiung the reluctant Aceves—and you have a prescription for fourth place in the American League East. Oh, did I forget the other thumb problem suffered by Josh Beckett? Sorry. But he'll be back and pitching on Saturday, right? Right.

Welcome to Black April.