Since he was traded from the Oakland Athletics to the Boston Red Sox, All-Star closer Andrew Bailey hasn't hidden his excitement about pitching for the Red Sox next season.
On Wednesday, Bailey joined WEEI's Mut and Merloni to talk about the recent trade that sent him and outfielder Ryan Sweeney to Boston in exchange for outfielder Josh Reddick and two minor leaguers. He knew that he would most likely be closing games for another team next season, but was relieved and excited to hear that it would be for the Red Sox.
"I was very excited when I found out I was a Red Sox, because I love the organization, I love the team," he said. "Obviously, they're always in contention and we're ready to do big things this year. ... I was very, very stoked when I heard it was the Red Sox." (via WEEI)
In three seasons with A's, Bailey has recorded 75 saves and has sustained a career ERA of 2.07 in a low pressure environment. Now that he pitches in one of the biggest markets in baseball, he is very excited to continue his success in front of the fans at Fenway Park.
"My dream is to play in a big city, a big market, and close out ballgames," he said. "And that's clearly going to happen. I'm excited about that. And I know it's a different market than Oakland. Everyone always says you're going to have quadruple the amount of fans in the stands than you do in Oakland, and I know it's true. Then again, I also played in those environments against the Red Sox, against the Yankees and have enjoyed success over the last three years pitching agains the same guys I'm going to be facing just with a different uniform on. So, for me, I'm excited about that because instead of the Red Sox fans cheering against me when I'm out there, they're going to be cheering for me." (via WEEI)
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