A week ago, the Red Sox’ bullpen was shaping up to be an issue again in 2011.
No longer.
Boston inked setup man Dan Wheeler over the weekend, following a reported agreement with former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks late last week.
The bridge from the formidable starting staff to Jonathan Papelbon and Daniel Bard is officially complete.
Wheeler, a Rhode Island native, posted a 3.35 ERA and a 118 ERA+ (100 is league average) in 48 1/3 innings for Tampa Bay. He’s fanned 514 batters if 579 career innings over 11 seasons.
Jenks, who had spent his entire six-year career with the White Sox, put up a career-worst 4.44 ERA last season. He’s been a closer since 2006, with 173 saves in 329 total appearances. His career ERA+ is 136.
