The hundred or so days between now and the day pitchers and catchers report will likely be the longest of Jonathan Papelbon’s 28 years. Consistently dominant since bursting onto the scene in 2005 and ascending to closer in 2006, including 27 scoreless innings in the postseason, Boston’s big-game pitcher came up small on an October Sunday; blowing the save and ending the Red Sox 2009 season earlier than many had predicted and hoped. Is Red Sox Nation wrong calling for a trade of their All-Star closer or are they on to something?
Papelbon’s Value
According to Cot’s Baseball Contracts, Papelbon has made $6.5 million dollars in 2009, pending final bonus tallies, and is again entering what will likely be a costly arbitration showdown with the front office. Given the Red Sox hesitancy in handing out long-term deals, especially to relief pitchers (notable exception Keith Foulke was signed to a 3 year deal after the 2003 season) Papelbon is likely headed out of Boston when he hits free agency.
For comparison, Foulke’s previous three years before signing with Boston:
- 2001 – 2.33 ERA, 0.975 WHIP, 3.41 K/BB, 42 saves
- 2002 – 2.90, ERA, 1.00...
