Report: Joel Hanrahan will be Red Sox closer, not Andrew Bailey

Any potential closer controversy caused by the addition of Joel Hanrahan to the Red Sox was quickly quelled, according to the Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham. Hanrahan was part of a six-player trade between the Red Sox and Pirates that was finalized on Wednesday. The deal sent Hanrahan and shortstop Brock Holt to Boston, and first baseman/outfielder Jerry Sands, reliever Mark Melancon and minor leaguers Stolmy Pimentel and Ivan De Jesus to Pittsburgh.

The Red Sox acquired reliever Andrew Bailey from Oakland at the end of the 2011 season to replace closer Jonathan Papelbon. Bailey missed most of the 2012 season with a thumb injury, and according to Abraham, Hanrahan will be the team’s closer in 2013:

#RedSox asst. GM Brian O'Halloran said John Farrell told Hanahan and Bailey that Hanrahan is the closer—
Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) December 26, 2012

Smart move by #RedSox deciding this right away. Cuts down on drama.—
Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) December 26, 2012

Bailey, 28, appeared in 19 games for Boston last season and had six saves and a 7.04 ERA. Hanrahan, 31, had 36 saves and a 2.72  ERA with the Pirates in 2012.