Ladies and Gents, Your 2007 Closer:
Notice I didn’t say “Your NEW closer”.
That’s right. According to a developing report on Boston.com, Jonathan Papelbon will return to the Boston Red Sox closer’s role in 2007. A formal announcement is expected later today.
My quick, initial opinion on this: I don’t really agree with it.
My reasoning is rather simple: I prefer A) 175 innings of Papelbon and 80 innings of Julian Tavarez over B) 175 innings of Tavarez/Gabbard/Snyder and 80 innings of Papelbon.
Unless Jon Lester surprises everyone with an emergence to compliment his miraculous recovery (it’s looking like he is on his way, but not quite there yet), the team could be looking at a bit of a hole in that final starter’s slot.
UPDATE - 10:00 PM:
From the new Gordon Edes report (linked above), it appears that the decision was made by Papelbon himself. It seems he feels most comfortable in the closer’s role. If this is the case, I can’t really blame Francona for acquiescing. Looking at some of his quotes, he seems rather adamant about his choice.
Generally, in baseball, switching positions is like trying out new scuba gear: if you don’t feel comfortable, you don’t jump in. Although I’m disappointed to be deprived of 200 Papelbonian innings, I do feel some security knowing the 9th inning is no longer a question mark.
March 22nd, 2007 at 6:00 pm
I second that sentiment. I’m not very happy about this myself.
March 22nd, 2007 at 9:33 pm
My knee-jerk reaction was “dammit, you’re retarding his growth as a starter.”
But the more I think about it, he can be exactly where he is at this point next spring, ready to jump into the rotation while Cox/Hansen/Delcarmen are finally ready to anchor the pen. Closer is the team’s most pressing need, but if he’s used as a “relief ace” i’d feel better about it. No matter how you slice it, the closer concept is flawed.
I find the timing very strange, right when Pineiro is starting to find a groove? This must have been the plan all along, but they were unable to find anyone via trade.