The Boston Red Sox were not able secure Jonathan Papelbon with a long-term deal during his time with the team and it appears they didn’t try to compete for his services during his time as a free agent. According to multiple sources, the All-Star closer has signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. Red Sox GM Ben Cherington didn’t confirm the signing, but acknowledged that he read the media reports of a deal. He mentioned the reported deal of four years for approximately $50 was not something they would even try to match.
Papelbon took over the Red Sox closer job as a rookie in 2006. He had just 17 big-league games under his belt, but he was handed the reigns after 2004 World Series star Keith Foulke had faltered due to injuries. Papelbon finished the season with 35 saves and an amazing ERA of 0.92, earning second place in the Rookie of the Year voting.
Papelbon followed up his rookie year with 37 saves in 2007. He saved four in the post season, including three of the four World Series games. One of my fondest memories as a fan was sitting behind the Red Sox dugout to watch Papelbon save game one against the Colorado Rockies at Fenway Park on a rainy night in Boston.
In 2008 Papelbon set a career-high with 41 saves. He made his fourth straight All-Star team in 2009 and closed out 39 wins, but the Red Sox season ended on a down note as he blew a save in the playoffs against the LA Angels of Anaheim. Papelbon had a rough year in 2010. He managed 37 saves, but blew eight games and saw his ERA rise to a career-worst of 3.90 for a third-place team.
Papelbon rebounded with 31 saves in 34 opportunities in 2011 to give him six years with 30 or more and put his career total at 219. He ended his Red Sox career as the team’s all-time save leader. He lowered his ERA back down below three and his 0.93 WHIP was his best since 2007. Papelbon was clearly a player going out and giving his all every time. If more players had Papelbon’s desire to win, the 2011 season might have ended differently.
In the wake of the worst collapse in Major League Baseball history, changes need to be made for the Red Sox and they are well on there way to being a very different team in 2012. They have a new GM and will have a new coaching staff. The Red Sox have five other big name free agents. David Ortiz, J.D. Drew, Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield are all World Series winners and current free agents. Let them all go. There time is gone. They were more part of the problem in 2011 than they are part of any solution. Papelbon was the one to keep.
Red Sox Nation will surely miss singing along as the Fenway Park speakers blast the Drop Kick Murphy’s song, I’m Shipping up to Boston. Unlike the singing of Sweet Caroline, fans sang for a good reason. A win was about to be locked down by one of the best closers in the game. Winning should be the only thing that matters and the Red Sox now have less of a chance of winning games than they did prior to November 11, 2011.
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