It's nice to see people coming around on Daniel Bard or should I say it's nice to see Daniel Bard performing so people have to believe in him. I've got to be honest, I'm a little surprised that we still have him ranked behind Bowden on our lists. I know we shouldn't read too much into spring training stats, but in Bards case I feel like they tell me a lot. In Bowden's case I don't. Does this make sense to subjectively throw out one person's stats while touting another in the same time period? Maybe not, but I had different questions about the two players. I also put a great deal of stock into what John Farrell says about people since I cannot recall him giving me any reason not to.

Are starters more valuable? In a lot of cases sure. An Ace is more valuable than a shutdown reliever, but is a solid number 3 - workhorse - innings eater more valuable than a dominant power pitching, strikeout machine relief pitcher? That's up for debate and a lot of it will have to do with team need. The RS aren't in dire need for either of them. I, personally, think Bard should over take Bowden in the rankings for a couple reasons:

1. Higher Ceiling: I think a talent like Bard is a lot more rare than a talent like Bowden. Not to knock Bowden, I'm glad they have him and he should be pretty good, but I dont think he has the chance to dominate like Bard can.

2. Closer to making an impact: I think Bard is closer to the majors (this might be nit picking as they are both knocking on the door and whoever gets the first opportunity will get there first). What sents Bard apart is I think Bard is almost, if not ready, to pitch in the majors and have a real impact. Bowden might be close to ready to pitch and keep them in some ball games, but probably not WOW anyone.

Don't most rankings try to weigh the importance of a players ceiling, how close they are to that potential, and how they have performed against certain levels of competition? I think Bard is equal to or past Bowden in each of those categories.

I'm interested to know if any one that wanted to move Bard for Montero has changed their tune at all?

I know he could still flame out and I dont want to go annointing him the next great thing, but he's done nothing but improve and dominate since talking to Tweeks and moving to the pen. It's exciting to think about having someone back there throwing that hard and getting people out... who knows, they might need him if Papelbon is going to fulfill his "responsibility" of getting the most money he possibly can from a team.