If you wrote an article previewing the 2011 Boston Red Sox, odds are the name “Jonathan Papelbon” appeared in the "Questions" section.
Papelbon was coming off his worst season as a professional, he hadn't been truly dominant since the 2008 season, and seemed to have lost the dominating fastball that made him one of the best closers in the game early in his career.
In that same preview article you probably asked when, not if, the Red Sox would move Daniel Bard into the closer role. You probably wondered whether Bobby Jenks was brought in as Papelbon insurance.
You probably wondered if Papelbon would still be a member of the Boston Red Sox after the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline.
Don’t feel bad. We were all wondering the same thing. We all thought Papelbon’s best days were behind him.
And we were all wrong. And we’re all more than happy to admit it.
Papelbon has been as dominating as any closer in the history of baseball over the last couple of months.
Papelbon last gave up a run on July 16th. He last gave up a run in a save situation on July 6th. He hasn’t blown a save since May 9th, a game he ended up winning. That, by the way, is his only blown save of the season.
Papelbon hasn’t walked a guy since July 10th. In his last 10 innings pitched, he has 12 strikeouts and 0 walks. During that stretch he’s given up only 2 hits and he hasn’t come close to giving up a run.
His dominating fastball is back. He’s once again one of the best closers in the game.
And if the 2011 Boston Red Sox win the World Series, Papelbon will be one of the biggest reasons why.
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