It was common knowledge that Jonathan Papelbon would enter free agency after the 2011 season and see what the market dictated for the best closer in Boston Red Sox history.
Well the offseason has only just begun but Papelbon agreed to a four-year, $50 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. Including vesting options, it is the biggest contract ever bestowed on a reliever in MLB history.
I'm not delusional enough of a honk to say that he's the best closer in baseball, Mariano Rivera is still alive as far as I know, but you have to admit that Pap had an incredible seven-year run (six years as the closer) in Boston.
A 2003 Red Sox draft pick that went to Mississippi State and a four-time American League all-star (2006-09), Papelbon was the rare guy that didn't shy away from the big spot and most importantly, stepped up in the most important games. He had 35+ saves from 2006-10 and over 30 saves every season (2006-11) that he was the closer.
He leaves Boston with 219 saves, a 2.33 career ERA with 1.018 WHIP. He notched seven saves in the playoffs, including four during the 2007 World Series championship season. He wasn't the same guy after 2009 and suffered his worst season in 2010 (3.90 ERA, 1.269 WHIP). Credit to him though for bouncing back nicely in 2011 (2.90 ERA, 0.933 WHIP).
You can't blame him for wanting to cash in and see what a change of scenery brings. I respect that he went to the Phillies, the best team in MLB last season before they choked in the playoffs. It shows that he does truly care about winning too, not just grabbing every last cent.
Papelbon was one of the few players on the 2011 Red Sox that actually stood up and took his medicine while the September collapse went on. Unlike some who hid behind chicken and beer (Lackey, Beckett, Lester) or blamed God's will (Adrian Gonzalez), Papelbon said he was the only one to bash after he blew a key game to the Orioles at Fenway.
This leaves a huge hole in the back of the bullpen for the Red Sox. Daniel Bard proved last season that he's not ready to be an elite setup man let alone a closer. They'll have to look outside the orginazation and sign a free agent. It better be Heath Bell and not some scrub like Ryan Madson, Joe Nathan, Francisco Cordero, etc.
His Shipping Up to Boston entrance was certainly played out, despite what the pink hats will tell you. The stare into home plate was lame and when he tried to be too clever or funny during interviews, it never worked. At heart, Pap is just a simple country boy but most importantly, he is a damn good closer that got it done in one of baseball's toughest markets for years.
Good luck Papelbon, we know you'll do well in Philly.
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