"The Red Sox tried their darnedest to get rid of Jonathan Papelbon in the offseason. They flirted with Mariano Rivera. They reportedly flirted with Rafael Soriano. They signed All-Star closer Bobby Jenks to fill a set-up role, but he sure looked like Pap insurance.

Three weeks into the season, however, Papelbon is proving the old adage about the best moves being the ones not made.

The fastball that terrorized the American League from 2006-09 is back. The splitter that complimented that fastball is once again diving. He's even added a slider that has become a weapon in its own right.

Perhaps more than anything else, however, Papelbon has his swagger back. When he stares in for the sign with his right arm dangling and menace in his eyes, he looks every bit like the four-time All-Star he was before last year's disappointment.

His teammates know it. And so do his opponents.

"As far as consistency, I think Mariano Rivera's No. 1 on that list, but Pap has shown over the years that he's going to be every bit as good as him," Angels left fielder Vernon Wells said. "When he comes into the game, you know you've got your work cut out for you."

Papelbon provided the latest example of his return to form Friday night against the Angels. Pitching for the third straight night in a 4-3 game that seemed to be slipping away, he threw 12 pitches (11 strikes) while working around a harmless one-out single to save the team's sixth win in seven games.

He ended it with a flourish, striking out nemesis Howie Kendrick on three pitches, the final two fastballs at 96 and 95 mph."