"On Aug. 18 in Kansas City, Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon converted his fifth save in 10 days with a perfect ninth.

He dropped his ERA below 3.00 for the first time since May. He moved within a save of becoming the first pitcher to save 30 games in his first six full seasons. With free agency looming, he had positioned himself as the best closer on the market.

Since then? Forget about save chances. He's barely had any chances, period."