I know I sound like a Boston homer but man this kid has been pitching incredible. He came out as a young prospect starter last year and made his way into the bullpen and has been thriving in the position. He has 12 saves (which leads the majors) in 18 apperances with 17 strikeouts and a 0.47 ERA. I know it's still early but he has been amazing in the closer role and has taken a lot of pressure off of Keith Foulke. The Sox have had a lot of success using Foulke as the set up man before the 9th inning when they bring in Papelbon. Pabelbon's only 26 and has showed a ton of potential to be a prime closer in the MLB. Any thoughts on my man Papelbon?
This guy early on seems like he could be a lights out closer this year and in the future. I have really enjoyed watching him pitch the two or three times i have got to watch, and he is finally giving your Red Sox some stability at the closer spot, a spot i know you guys have had problems with the past few years. As good as he is, you have reason to be an excited Red Sox fan, i don't think of it as being a Boston Homer. As we have both said though, it is early in his career, so we will see in the future if he can keep it up.
The guy is spectacular. He is going to be the next great reliever in the MLB, or maybe the Red Sox will eventually make him a SP. Whatever, this kis has a terrific arm and he is going to be great.
Yeah it should be interesting CB4, his first ever game he pitched in the majors he started, it was last year. He pitched like 6 innings, gave up no runs and a few hits, a few strikeouts (I don't remember the exact stat line I Just remember he didn't give up any runs). They experimented with him in the closer role and he's been absolutely nasty. It should be interesting to see whether or not they rotate him back to the starting role.
Right now they have no other good relievers so I suspect him to fill the hole at Closer for the rest of the season or atleast until they get a decent backup. He is dominate right now so why change it so soon?
I'm going to agree with CB4, the Red Sox need to make sure that they have a closer if they send Papelbon to the rotation. That closer spot has given you guys alot of problems over the year, and i think Papelbon is the answer at that spot right now.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (valo35 @ May 13 2006, 09:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I'm going to agree with CB4, the Red Sox need to make sure that they have a closer if they send Papelbon to the rotation. That closer spot has given you guys alot of problems over the year, and i think Papelbon is the answer at that spot right now.</div>Papelbon is the answer for our closer, but the thing is that the Red Sox' first round pick from last year, Craig Hanson, was supposed to be their closer of the future. Hansen has been absolutely lights out in the minors and pitched 11.2 scoreless innings in Spring Training. Hansen has been starting in the minors, but Red Sox management has said it is for him to develop more pitches. I could see Papelbon finishing this year as the closer, and then if Hansen is ready next year, Pap could move back to the rotation.
I haven't seen the Sox much this year, but the games I have tuned into showcase this kids talent enough. He is a great closer and looks like he can be for years to come, the Red Sox need to get this kid under contract long term.
Papelbon's future is a starter. But, for now, if it ain't broken, don't fix it. Jon's doing a swell job in his closer position, and the Sox aren't going to change him to a starter for quite a while.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Right now they have no other good relievers so I suspect him to fill the hole at Closer for the rest of the season or atleast until they get a decent backup. He is dominate right now so why change it so soon?</div>Exactly, he shouldn't be moved back to the starting role but I keep hearing things in the Boston papers about him eventually going back to the starting role. If it ain't broke, don't fix it...I agree CB4, keep Papelbon closing.
Jon Papelbon is my hero. I get Papelboners all the time when he pitches. VERY exciting to watch pitch. Now I know how Yankee fans must have felt with Mo.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (yankshater213 @ May 14 2006, 08:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I get Papelboners all the time when he pitches.</div>
When he started that game last year against the Angels, I was blown away with how good he was at such a young age. Behind Youks, he's gatta be my favorite player.
As of last night, Papplebon = 20 for 20 on saves. He is perfect this year. I can see him going to the All-Star game.
