Well, it's official-- star closer Jonathan Papelbon has left the Red Sox, signing a 4 year/$50 million contract with the Phillies today. Papelbon had a very good year with the Red Sox in 2011, going 4-1/2.33/87, along with saving 31 of 34 chances. Papelbon is the only closing pitcher in history to save 30 games in the first 6 full seasons of his career. He also is the Red Sox franchise saves leader, with 219, as he has been the primary closer for the Red Sox since 2006. HOWEVER, he is not worth $50 million and here's why. Yes, he is an above average closer-- top 5, I'd say. Still, he has directly ended the Red Sox season for 3 consecutive years, less so in 2010 though. In 2009, he was unable to protect a 5-2 lead in Game 3 of the ALDS which ended the Red Sox season. In 2010, he was just bad. This year, he was unable to protect a 3-2 lead with 2 outs and nobody on in the 9th inning of a crucial Game 162. I wish you well, Paps, you had a great career with the Sox.
I have mixed feelings about Papelbon moving on. He will be missed by Sox fans, such as myself. But, I really don't think that someone who pitches one inning a few times per week should be compensated at $50M for 4 years. Yikes!
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