Rob Bradford, Red Sox Pregame

" Rob first -- the there was Red Sox Billy Wagner is here in in uniform. And at the expense of -- Yeah you know it it really opened my eyes a little lose him and Brad Penny because stock into other guys who include closed Josh Beckett in. To work a lot with strength coach Dave page how hard you worked him. And how he really kind of revamp the way he did things in -- gave it to strength coach. He said today is -- from the minute he got there even further -- they talk to the off season he was committed to. Kind of buying into the way that they did things here and he and back off and Terry Francona mentioned today the sometimes you've almost too strong. And sometimes that would allow the the fastball leak out over the plate and in -- me may -- the fastball too much and and be hit. But I think that overall the biggest problem Brad Penny had. Especially in the last month with just getting the ball down in the zone he wasn't able to get it down zone and it nearly as much as he needed to and he was hit argument released yesterday I mean obviously his recent performance led to his devotion to the ball then and then with Tim Wakefield -- the way he did yesterday. He kind of saw that the musical chairs and they were -- left for him in this rotation at least not right now yet in reading his quotes in departing. He was still very positive. Much more positive than you usually see for a player who just was you know released by a team and he said -- love this time here yet you know or I think that he appreciates. Where he was. It during this time it how important it was to be here because yes it didn't work out it didn't work out in terms of the result. But for a guy who was coming off arm problems you get what Mike Reinhold one of the best in the -- in terms of getting beyond program. Buying and he said at the beginning this is one of the reasons I'm coming here because I know about how important this stuff is in. And he understands that he understands that even though results. Weren't there. There was some things that he can get out this experience which was getting healthy again. That was a big thing here now the next step is obviously -- he has a long way to go to show that. But still staying healthy was a big part of the equation of Brad Penny in the brought the Red Sox got him there and Billy Wagner is coming off of surgery he is ahead of schedule. Well ahead of schedule in fact but a hard throwing left hander who has been a closer for most of his career is now the bullpen what caveat. -- that you -- out a lot by how much is is debatable. And he what he gave -- is a really a good power armor against left handed hitters that you aren't able you are going to have to ride him. Maybe more than two or three batters at a time because they have other guys in front of him and in back of moment. But think the question is is how much is he going to pitch Terry Francona talked about this today they're going to be very very careful here which isn't a surprise to anyone. But -- be very careful in terms of getting out giving him down in the bullpen how many days obviously not going to pitched back to back days most likely. So today he's going to Pro Bowl then evidently he's going to be available tomorrow and then go from there you could see him sporadically but. Though they've been they have -- in regards to using Billy Wagner is a deep ball parents so they are going to have to rely on him too much the general time offering for Tommy John guys about fourteen months these little ways away from that. But I think Red Sox fans can't help but think okay these are his limitations at the end of August about mid October. Yeah well if that's there's there's a long way to go a year people have to understand that is that you have a guy who pitched two times in the major leagues. And yes they were successful and who was encouraging and everything else. But you're right he's he's that way ahead as scheduled to come since Tommy John surgery. And you can't get too excited you can't think okay you know at this everything -- no problems with this guy's arm at all. That is aways to go is a couple the Red Sox are hoping that's another couple -- off the map for a couple months ago. So it's it's going to be something where it's going to be talked ago people shouldn't get too excited but he can't help right now and like is that before there isn't a lot of pressure on them. Finally the Red Sox have an opportunity to finish off a four game sweep of the White Sox tonight. Chicago -- game under 500 there in contention in the American League central -- this team resemble anything of a playoff team in your mind. Now you know I heard Alex talked about this last night we view that really this seems to be this. There's gap between the American League east the American League central you can make the argument certainly the west pose some problems this by the trouble the Red Sox have had with Texas in. And me they're Angels are always a tough team and one of the most talented teams. But yeah the White Sox haven't -- lot of problems and becoming -- here and the reds that it. Listen while the White Sox are are of this has been a nightmare trip for them the Red Sox must be feeling really good about themselves that. And is done a world of difference whether it's on because listen we -- they need to momentum won't ever once think they need momentum going this September the need momentum. Heading into that series in Tampa where they have so many prompt the White Sox -- give -- to put a lot in terms of game given them momentum. Ira thanks as always we'll talk to assume they struck."