Welcome to Beantown, Mr. Jenks

Former Chicago closer Bobby Jenks decided to change his Sox from
White to Red, agreeing to a two-year, $12 million deal with Boston yesterday. 

While the astonishing acquisitions of Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford have garnered all the attention in Boston this offseason (and rightfully so), Red Sox GM Theo Epstein finally made a move to address the team's one remaining flaw: the bullpen. According to numerous sources, the Sox signed former White Sox closer and flamethrower Bobby Jenks to a two-year, $12 million deal yesterday. The deal will be made official once Jenks passes his physical, which could come as early as today.

Still just 29-years-old, Jenks is a two time All-Star who saved 173 games during his six year run as the White Sox closer, putting him 3rd all time in the franchise saves list. He has a body like the immortal Rich "El Guapo" Garces, tipping the scales at around 280 lbs while also standing at a towering 6'4''. Although he features a slider, change-up, and devastating curve-ball, Jenks is known most for his blistering fastball. He can routinely hit 100 on the radar gun and was once clocked at 103 in the minor leagues.

Bursting onto the scene as a rookie phenom in 2005, Jenks led the White Sox to the World Series, where they eventually swept the Houston Astros. He pitched in all four games of the Fall Classic, earning saves in Game 1 and the clinching Game 4. To this day, Jenks and Adam Wainwright of the St. Louis Cardinals are the only rookies ever to save a World Series clinching game. From 2006-2009 Jenks saved 41, 40, 30 and 29 saves, respectively.

However, much like current Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, Jenks had the worst year of his career last year, going 1-3 with a career-high 4.44 ERA and just 27 saves. However, upon further review, his 2010 season actually wasn't that bad. He averaged 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings (career best), while also surrendering just 18 walks and only 3 home runs over 52.2 innings. He blew just four saves in 2010, compared to Papelbon's eight.

Nevertheless, Jenks was non-tendered by the White Sox, which means the Red Sox did not have to forfeit a draft pick to sign him. He also takes a pay cut to change his Sox from White to Red. Last year he made $7.5 million, while his new deal with Boston pays him $6 million a year for two years.

Despite his on-field excellence, Jenks does come with some baggage. After his sophomore year of High School he was ruled academically ineligible as a junior and senior due to poor grades. He also switched high schools several times, going from Timberlake High in Spirit Lake, Idaho to Inglemoor High in Kenmore, Washington.

As a result, the only league he was able to play in was American Legion. As a 19-year-old, he struck out 123 batters in just 92 innings while playing for the Prairie Cardinals, catching the eye of several major league scouts. He was then drafted in the 5th round in 2000 by the Anaheim Angels. However, his reputation as a wild man caught up to him in the minor leagues. In 2002 he was suspended for bringing beer onto a team bus while playing for the Double A Arkansas Travelers and then demoted to Single A. In addition, he struggled with injuries and was then released in 2004. He was claimed by the White Sox prior to the 2005 season.

Nevertheless, the addition of Jenks to the Boston bullpen makes a lot of sense for both sides. After last year's disastrous season, the Sox desperately needed help in the pen and signing Jenks now gives them three bona-fide studs at the back end. In Jenks, Bard and Papelbon, the Sox now feature three flamethrowers who can exceed 96 mile-per-hour on the radar gun on any given pitch. Also, Jenks eases the pressure on Bard as the only reliable set-up man while also providing insurance if Papelbon struggles again in 2011 like he did in 2010.

For Jenks, coming to Boston represents a second chance for him to re-establish himself as one of the elite relievers in baseball. He may also get a shot at becoming the full-time closer, whether it be this season or next. After all, Papelbon made just a shade under $10 million last season and is arbitration eligible for this season, where estimates have him commanding at least $12 million. At that price, unless he reverts back to his old lights out ways, it appears the Sox will let Papelbon walk after 2011, giving either Jenks or Bard a shot at closing in 2012.

One stat Sox Nation is sure to love: in 17 career innings against the Yankees, Jenks has a microscopic 1.06 ERA. Spring Training can't come soon enough.