Since Craig Breslow took over as the Boston Red Sox’s Chief Baseball Officer, he has targeted specific traits in relief pitchers. Among those traits are fastball velocity and extension towards home plate.

Aroldis Chapman is the prime example of these traits. He throws as hard as anyone, while striding down the mound 7.3 feet, among the furthest in baseball. He’s not the only hard thrower Breslow has acquired. Jorge Alcala, Jordan Hicks and Justin Slaten all throw hard. Liam Hendriks, Luis Garcia and Jovani Moran all exhibit plus extension as well.

While the industry believes the Red Sox adding a high-end reliever isn’t a priority, additional bullpen depth is never a bad thing. Former All-Star reliever Alexis Diaz exhibits characteristics Boston has targeted, and he has connections to Bos

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