To me, this makes the most sense for the Red Sox. I stated this before and will stand by my original statements. The Red Sox will not be blown out of too many games, not with their lineup. If they are close in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings having that automatic closer in the bullpen is a psychological advantage.
As has been mentioned in the article, Papelbons's college career was all about relief pitching. Relief pitching did get him to the All star game. His mental approach to closing is a perfect match. This is what he is most comfortable with. This is where the Red Sox are the weakest. Also mentioned was his loss in velocity after a few innings, making him more effective in the eighty or so innings he would pitch as a closer during the season.
The Red Sox starting pitching is still a question mark and I am not about to anoint Matsuzaka the next Pedro. Schilling is a year older and injury susceptible. Beckett is only twenty six but after a poor showing last year the book is still out on him. Jon Lester, although young and talented, is a season removed from dealing with a serious illness. That leaves Matt Clement, Tim Wakefield and a list not worth mentioning thereafter. Lots of question marks. Also lots of potential. Having a secure closer of Papelbon's caliber will help set up and take pressure off the middle relief staff.
Their pen has some veterans who are capable of holding the offense down for an inning or three. This also makes the Roger Clemens lottery more enticing, especially if the Red Sox are showing signs of dominance. Unlikely, but a more than average possibility. Clemens could put them right over the top and into the World Series. A Clemens, Schilling and Matsuzaka starting three in the playoffs is more than formidable.
This is not a make or break move for the Red Sox but a smart one. I hate the Red Sox but like the move from a team point of view.
