It seems the exit from Boston is starting and the first guy leaving town looks like Johnathan Papelbon the Red Sox closer. Papelbon, the longtime Red Sox right-hander who has anchored their bullpen for six years, including a World Series title in 2007, has agreed to a four-year, $50 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies pending a physical. Now to be honest I do not know what the Philadelphia Phillies gave him that kind of money, but they must see something in him.
Papelbon at times was very good, but at times he was a mystery and you did not know what you were going to get from him. I think the Phillies overpaid for Papelbon, but only time will tell how it will work out for the Phillies and the closer. Switching over to the National League maybe a little tough, but we will see what happens to him and if he can still be a top closer.
I'm curious why you interpret this as a beginning of an exodus from Boston?
ReplyDeleteAs far as switching to the NL? Should be easy. No more designated hitters. And a whole bunch of batters who won't be familiar with his stuff.
More thoughts in this blog post.
Joel,
ReplyDeleteSwitching leagues seems it would be easy for him, but it does not always work that way. David Ortiz has hinted he may leave and I would not be surprised by others who may also make a jump. We will just have to wait and see how it all plays out.
Ken