With a devastating split-fingered fastball that sinks into oblivion Jonathon Papelbon dazzled the American League and solidified his spot as the Red Sox closer of the future.
A starting pitcher throughout his minor league career, Papelbon, filled in for an injured Keith Foulke last year and pitched phenomenally. For much of the season, up to his injury, he was leading the league in saves. Even though his arm did wear down at the end of the season, the dominance displayed has all of Boston talking.
Papelbon has been working on elevating his arm slot when he pitches. This, he hopes, will help him avoid another injury at the end of the season. He is not concerned about the adjustment, “Mechanically, I’m getting there. It’s a little bit different, not much- enough to get it done.”
Papelbon was originally going to be the fifth starter in an already impressive rotation, which includes Daisuke and Schilling, but a weak bullpen prompted him to ask Coach Terry Francona to be the closer. Francona was happy to facilitate Papelbon’s request, and moved Julian Tavarez to the Fifth Starting spot.
The decision was easy for Francona, as Papelbon’s ERA last year as a closer was 0.92. He also won four games and saved 35 more. He blew six games but a majority came at the end of the season when he began having arm issues.
Boston has full confidence in Papelbon, and will be giving him the ball in the ninth. He is the first reliable closer that the Red Sox have had in many years and the whole league is excited to see what this kid can do; they got a glimpse of it last year, was it the real deal? My bet is yes, and watch them ride his arm to the playoffs.
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