"The Red Sox never have gone to arbitration since Theo Epstein became general manager in 2002, but that streak is in jeopardy.

Today is the deadline for players and teams to exchange arbitration figures, and the Sox will be trading numbers with two of their top players — closer Jonathan Papelbon and center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury.

While there's always a chance the two could agree to deals today — deals often are reached either on the day of filing or the day hearings begin, which in this case is Feb.?1 — both players are candidates for hearings.

This is Papelbon's third and final go-round at arbitration before he becomes eligible for free agency at the end of the season. He has settled right around today's deadline in each of the past two years, agreeing to a $6.25?million deal in 2009 and a $9.35?million contract last year.

Even though he's coming off the worst season of his career, the four-time All-Star still is looking at a figure in the $11 million-$12?million range. Papelbon repeatedly has stated he believes in advancing the market, not just for himself but other closers.

The Red Sox and Papelbon have discussed long-term extensions in the past, but the team appears willing to move on from the righty after this season, especially with two potential replacements (Daniel Bard, Bobby Jenks) under its control beyond 2011."