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Former Red Sox 2013 World Series champ, now a WBC coach, a big fan of Garrett Whitlock
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- Former Red Sox 2013 World Series champ, now a WBC coach, a big fan of Garrett Whitlock
MIAMI — David Ross knows what it takes to win in Boston . He spent two seasons and part of another with the Red Sox and was a key figure on the 2013 Red Sox championship team.
He’s also managed the Chicago Cubs for four seasons and has remained around the game as an analyst. Currently serving as Team USA’s bullpen coach in the WBC, Ross has become a big fan of Red Sox reliever Garrett Whitlock .
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“I love his demeanor,” said Ross before the WBC final at loanDepot Park. “He’s been the first guy (in the bullpen) to say, ‘I’ll do anything. Wherever you need me to fit in, I will. If you need me to pitch, don’t need me to pitch...’ He’s been very good about communicating with Andy (Pettitte, Team USA pitching coach) and myself, when guys needed to get innings, especially early on, we’re trying to get everybody in. He’s been spectacular.
As much as Ross has been impressed with Whitlock’s demeanor and willingness to help, he’s been bowled over by his ability on the mound. Whitlock has appeared in three games and is unscored upon, having allowed just one baserunner in his outings.
“His presence on the mound reminds me of (former Cub) Kyle Hendricks , where nothing bothers him,” said Ross. “He walked off the mound (Sunday) like it was a spring training game on a Tuesday.”
It was, of course, far more than that. Team USA was nursing a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the eighth in the WBC semifinals against the Dominican Republic. Whitlock was tasked with facing arguably the three best hitters on Team DR — Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Manny Machado.
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Whitlock retired them without incident, including two by strikeout, and never showed much in the way of emotion.
“You’re not going to face three tougher hitters,” marveled Ross, “and you’re not going to face a better lineup in general. But it was like it was nothing to him. The way he carries himself is incredible and it’s been pretty impressive to watch him work. His stuff is unbelievable.”
With the Red Sox, Whitlock serves as the eighth inning set-up man, with Aroldis Chapman serving as the closer. But Whitlock is capable of stepping in for the final three outs when the Red Sox need him.
“I could absolutely see Garrett being a closer at some point,” said Ross. “I’m sure if they have to give Chappy a day because he’s been on a run, you can have (Whitlock) in the ninth because it doesn’t seem like anything fazes him. He’s ready to go, no matter what he’s asked to do and as a former manager, those are the best players to have.
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“He’ll fill any role, and you love that. And with his stuff, he probably would be a closer on about 28 other teams.”
Stationed in the bullpen during games, Ross has observed Whitlock’s preparation and likes what he sees.
“He’s locked in down there,” said Ross. “Seeing those guys and how they work, he stays locked in, he’s focused, he’s watching the game, asking questions. We’ve got a great group down there and he’s one of many.”
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