"The Red Sox have made a significant addition to their bullpen, acquiring righthanded reliever Mark Melancon from the Astros for infielder Jed Lowrie and reliever Kyle Weiland.

Melancon, a hard-throwing 26-year-old had a 2.78 earned run average and 20 saves in 74.1 innings for Houston last season. He struck out 66 and walked 26.

His numbers suggest he could serve as the departed Jonathan Papelbon's successor as the Red Sox closer in '12, though he may also be the first of many pieces added to the bullpen, especially if Daniel Bard ends up in the rotation. Oakland closer Andrew Bailey is one among a handful of potential relievers the Red Sox could still pursue."