Opinions on Papelbon being a closer again?

Question

I personally think its a good move. Considering it was our weakest position and now our strongest, for this season it will be huge. Nothing kills a team more than blowing late game leads (just look at last years Braves). Our starting rotation is strong enough imo. The 5th spot is up in the air but if Lester comes back strong from cancer its all set. Either way with our offense the 5th starter only needs to have an era of 4.5-4.7 and chew up innings to be effective. What do you guys think?

Answer 1

He has proven to be good at this role. good move

Answer 2

As a huge Red Sox fan: I am thrilled. Absolutely thrilled.

Some would argue the rationale that you can get 200 elite innings as a starter, versus 70 elite innings as a closer. When you look at it in simple mathematical terms: It makes more sense having King Jonathan as a starter, however..

The bane of my existence: The New York Yankees would NOT have been a dynasty from 1996-2000, or made the World Series again in 2001, and 2003 if it werent for the most dominant closer, possibly of all time: Mariano Rivera.

Having a weapon like that at the end of games is in-valuable. When Mo Rivera comes into a game: The opposition knows the game is over 49 times out of 50. Same thing for Papelbon.

Plus - You can't teach a 0.92 ERA - Which was the 8th lowest ERA in the HISTORY OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL. The guy is amazing. When you hear "Wild Thing.. You make my heart sing" over the Fenway speakers it means one thing: The Game Is Over.

Answer 3

My Predictions for 2007-8: Francona is fired. Red Sox come in 3rd in AL East. Matsuzaka is the next Irabu. The team is sold and relocates to Manitoba, Canada. Roger Clemens comes back to Red Sox, only to be traded to the Yankees for Doug Mientkiewicz. Fenway Park is converted into a Jordan's Furniture store.

Answer 4

Papelbon will be closing only as long as his shoulder and arm can take it. The doctors originally wanted him to pitch in the rotation because he would only be pitching every 4th or 5th day. And it would be easier and better for his shoulder. At the first sign of any trouble Boston will get him in the rotation.

Answer 5

While I am worried about his shoulder, the fact that they know this is a problem is going to allow them to be smart in how they use him.

For example, with a three run lead, let him cool his heels and let someone else pick up the cheapie save.

They've mentioned they will avoid using him 3 days in a row, as well as being more selective in trotting him out there before the 9th inning.

Finally, he WANTS to do this. This is his comfort zone. He's learned his limitations, he's learned to listen to his body. He's not going to jeopardize his career - he's going to tell Francona when he can't go.

Go get 'em, Paps!

Answer 6

finally Papelbon being a closer is great for the Red Sox once i heard that Mike Timlin was on the DL I was like there goes the Red Sox in close games, but now they are defiantly a playoff team

Answer 7

Hopefully the Red Sox do not ruin his arm. He has had shoulder problems during the latter part of last year, so they did not pitch him the last month of last year. If he can last the whole year pitching multiple times a week, then the Red Sox bullpen will be greatly strengthed.

Answer 8

I don't like it. He's a dominating closer, but I'm very concerned about how his shoulder is going to hold up to the wear. He had problems last year because of the work and I want him to have a nice, long career.

Answer 9

It's a great move and by far the most logical at this point. Yes, the Sox should pick up one more pitcher; and no it won't be Clemens; but all in all this is their best move for now.

Answer 10

I think its a wise move. The altenatives-Piniero, etc., just werent going to make it for a team thats serious about knocking off the Yankees.