Daniel Bard has just been claimed off of waivers by the Chicago Cubs, bringing an end to a very good stint with the Red Sox. Bard was the Red Sox first round pick in the 2006 draft. He was a starter in the minors and struggled until being moved to the bullpen. Boston called him up during the 2009 season and he became established as the top set-up man to closer Jonathan Papelbon. Bard was very good in that first season, going 2-2 with a 3.65 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 49.1 innings. The next season he was dominant. He had an ERA of 1.93 and struck out 76 in 74.2 innings and saved three games. He started out the 2011 season great but struggled down the stretch as Boston fell apart. It was the beginning of the end. He still put up decent numbers on the season but lost nine games. In 2012 he was shifted into the starting rotation and flamed out, going 5-6 with a 6.22 ERA. He pitched only one inning this season.
Here's hoping Bard can resurrect his career in Chicago.
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