Papelbon Remaining Boston's Closer

Babe_Ruth · 02-14-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Providence Journal - Jonathan Papelbon hoped to become a starter last spring, but now he's content as the Boston closer.

"I'm gonna stick to closing, man," said Papelbon. "Last spring training I took a starter's approach and built up my arm strength. So I think for the first few weeks I'm going to be on the starter's throwing program again, so to speak, to build up my arm. It worked last year."

RealGM Baseball: Wiretap Archives: Papelbon Remaining Boston's Closer

This is a wise choice for the Boston Red Sox, Papelbon is one of the best closers in the league, so why remove him from that role, especially that your starting rotation is pretty good.

redsoxocd · 02-14-2008, 05:34 PM

This is an extremely good decision. I was happy last season when they decided to do this. He may have gone through the minors as a starter but when it comes down to it he's a closer.

Constantine · 02-15-2008, 08:37 AM

I don't see why they'd move him to starter. They already have a great young prospect in Bucholz who will hopefully see a start or two this season. Papelbon is becoming a symbol of Boston and he's been doing it as a closer, which is where he should stay.