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Jonathan Papelbon News & Rumors

Is Papelbon worth twice as much as Bell?
December 3
CSN Philly
 
"Is Jonathan Papelbon worth nearly twice as much as Heath Bell? That's the $50 million question now that Bell has signed a three-year deal with the Marlins worth $27 million. The Phillies pounced on Papelbon early in the offseason, probably offering several million more than any other team was willing to part with. They got their man, but at what cost? Papelbon is certainly younger than Bell with more fluffy tangibles like playoff experience, but seeing an elite closer sign for 54 percent of what Papelbon received raises some flags. Let's look at the tale of the tape… From 2009-11: Papelbon had a 2.89 ERA, Bell had a 2.36. But when you normalize for league and park factors, Papelbon's 2.89"
Lidge on Papelbon addition: 'Great pickup'
December 2
CSN Philly
 
"Even though he is no longer a Phillie, Brad Lidge has spent the off-season working out at Citizens Bank Park. The free-agent reliever is hoping it remains his place of employment for the 2012 season. "No doors are closed," the soon-to-be 35-year-old righthander said in an interview with CSN's John Boruk at the ballpark Thursday. "Signing a reliever is not a priority for them right now, but we're still talking." The free-agent market could start popping with the arrival of the winter meetings next week in Dallas. "Things have been pretty slow for everyone except [Jonathan] Papelbon coming to Philadelphia," Lidge said."
Papelbon, Phils appreciate intensity
November 15
Courier-Post
 
"Before Jonathan Papelbon arrived in Philadelphia on Monday and donned his new No. 58 jersey, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel had never met his newest weapon. But from the opposing dugout, Manuel had seen enough. "You watch how he pulls his hat down, and his eyes get big, and he stares down at you, and he sends the hitter a message," Manuel said. That's the personality Manuel loves to see in his players, which is probably why Papelbon took note of what he saw in the Phillies' dugout, too."
Pap's over Red Sox
November 15
Boston Herald
 columnist John Tomase
"What, you were expecting sentimental? Jonathan Papelbon doesn't do sentimental, as he demonstrated yesterday during his introductory press conference with the Philadelphia Phillies. Donning his new pinstripes for the first time, Papelbon was very matter of fact about the circumstances that led to his signing the biggest contract for a closer in history, a four-year, $50 million (and $58, naturally) deal with a vesting option that could push the total value past $60 million."
Papelbon in Philly, seeking to up 'ring collection'
November 14
ESPN.com
 
"All that stands between Jonathan Papelbon and the richest contract in the history of relief pitching is a physical, and Papelbon arrived in Philadelphia on Sunday night in preparation for taking that physical Monday. Papelbon agreed Friday to a four-year, $50-million contract, sources say, that would make him the Phillies' new closer. But he said Sunday night it wasn't the money that drew him to leave the Red Sox and sign with Philadelphia. "That (contract) doesn't really play a role," Papelbon told WPVI-TV's Jeff Skversky after arriving at Philadelphia International Airport. "The biggest thing that plays a role is the ability to come here and win." The 30-year-old righthander has spent"
Philadelphia flier
November 12
Boston Globe
 
"The Red Sox offered Jonathan Papelbon the security of a long-term contract several times in recent years. Several teammates embraced similar offers, but Papelbon preferred to gamble. He went season to season, methodically making his way to free agency, knowing that poor performance or injury could cost him millions of dollars. It paid off in the end for Papelbon, who yesterday agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Phillies on the richest contract for a relief pitcher in baseball history. According to major league sources, Papelbon has a four-year deal worth $50 million with a vesting option for 2016 that would take the contract to more than $60 million. The contract is contingent on a"
Sox may regret losing Papelbon
November 12
Boston Globe
 
"The Red Sox spent $142 million over seven years on Carl Crawford. They spent $82.5 million on John Lackey. So $50 million for four years on Jonathan Papelbon was too much? This is a decision the Red Sox might regret. New GM Ben Cherington admitted he never made an offer to Papelbon, so the nutty reliever signed immediately with the Phillies who made him a record offer. Papelbon was one of the good players on this team last year. He was actually one of the accountable players, a stand-up guy, who was in great shape and worked like a maniac and who at 30 years old, is really not that old for a closer and the investment the Phillies just made isn't crazy."
Jonathan Papelbon's $50m exit leaves gap in guts
November 12
Boston Herald
 columnist Steve Buckley
"Jonathan Papelbon arrived in the big leagues on the sunny Sunday afternoon of July 31, 2005, working 5 1/3 innings against the Minnesota Twins and striking out the first two hitters to step in against him. And while it would be a stretch to say this was the day when the big, loud kid from Mississippi began dreaming of free agency, we always understood that's where Papelbon was pointed. He was never going to grab one of those early-career deals from the Red Sox that offered security for his family and, hence, peace of mind for himself. He was going to be a free agent. It was practically stamped on his forehead. So now comes the news that Papelbon has reportedly agreed to a four-year deal"
Jonathan Papelbon to Philadelphia
November 12
Boston Herald
 
"Jonathan Papelbon is shipping down to Philly. And the Red Sox aren't about to stop him. Papelbon has received a four-year contract offer from the Philadelphia Phillies that "seems like a done deal," a major league source told the Herald yesterday. The deal is expected to be worth $50 million, the richest ever for a reliever, eclipsing the $47 million (five years) Toronto gave to B.J. Ryan in 2005. Pending a physical, which will happen early next week, Papelbon's run with the Red Sox will be over. The four-time All-Star converted 219 saves, posted a 2.33 ERA and, of course, recorded the last out of the 2007 World Series."
Jonathan Papelbon leaves Red Sox for Phillies and Yankees CC Sabathia not sad to see him go
November 12
New York Daily News
 
"Jonathan Papelbon leaving the Red Sox for the Phillies not only sent reverberations through both Boston and Philadelphia on Friday - it hit the Bronx, too. "I just saw that about an hour ago and I'm not going to miss him," Yankee ace CC Sabathia said while at the kickoff party for his "CC Challenge" charity scavenger hunt Saturday. "He's a great pitcher and he was good for them. It just makes the Phillies that much better. "If our ultimate goal is to win the World Series, I'm sure we're going to have to see them (Philadelphia) at the end of the season." Papelbon agreed to a four-year, $50 million deal with the Phils that has a vesting option for an additional $13 million. It is the most"
Phillies reach deal with Papelbon
November 12
CSN Philly
 
"Ruben Amaro Jr. said he wanted a top closer. He got one. The Phillies have reached agreement on a four-year contract with free-agent Jonathan Papelbon, multiple sources told CSNPhilly.com on Friday. The deal, which won't become official until Papelbon passes a physical in the coming days, is worth $50 million. That is the most ever guaranteed a reliever, topping the $47 million that Toronto gave B.J. Ryan in a five-year deal in Dec. 2005. The average annual value of Papelbon's deal is $12.5 million. That's the same average value of the three-year extension that Brad Lidge signed with the club in 2008. Papelbon, who turns 31 on Nov. 23, averaged 36 saves for the Boston Red Sox over the last"
Phillies reach deal with Papelbon
November 11
CSN Philly
 
"The Phillies have reached a contract agreement with free-agent closer Jonathan Papelbon, pending a physical, multiple sources tell CSNPhilly.com. Papelbon, who turns 31 later this month, averaged 36 saves a year for the Boston Red Sox over the last six seasons. Papelbon will replace Ryan Madson as closer. Madson is a free agent. According to sources, the agreement is for four years and approaches $50 million."
Phils continue to pursue Papelbon, Madson
November 10
CSN Philly
 
"The Phillies continue to pursue a closer on the free-agent market and indications are they will get one soon. The question remains: Will it be Ryan Madson or Jonathan Papelbon? As of early Wednesday evening, it looked as if Papelbon might have surged to the top of the Phillies' wish list. However, the team was still in discussions with Madson."
No Phils-Madson deal yet; Papelbon also in mix
November 9
MLB.com
 
"Ruben Amaro Jr. said last month he will have a veteran closer in the Phillies' bullpen in 2012. But which one? There are multiple reports the Phils are close to a deal with Ryan Madson, who was the team's closer this season and has been in the organization since 1998. But a source said Wednesday morning no deal is in place, although talks are ongoing. The source also said the Phillies remain in talks with free-agent closer Jonathan Papelbon. Philadelphia is prepared to move forward with either Madson or Papelbon. Madson went 4-2 with a 2.37 ERA and 32 saves in 62 appearances this season. Papelbon went 4-1 with a 2.94 ERA and 31 saves in 63 appearances for the Red Sox."
Phillies close to striking deal with a closer
November 9
CSN Philly
 
"It appears as if the Phillies could have their closer opening filled soon. According to baseball sources, the Phillies are in active negotiations with free agents Ryan Madson and Jonathan Papelbon and could have a deal with one of them in the coming days. Madson and Papelbon are both hard-throwing righthanders. While Madson came into his own as a closer with 32 saves for the Phillies in 2011, Papelbon has had a longer run of success as a closer, averaging 36 saves for the Boston Red Sox over the last six seasons."
Smart money's on Papelbon
November 6
Boston Herald
 
"With so much uncertainty surrounding the 2012 Red Sox, the club should lock down one of its sure things — Jonathan Papelbon. The closer is the best available one in a crowded free agent market, but that's almost beside the point. What's much more important is that he has proven he can do it in Boston, where every blown save necessitates the convening of a congressional panel and where the lineups in the brutal AL East are built to erode even the best pitchers. While it's easy to look at this deep free agent class and say the Sox should save some money on a Tier B option like Ryan Madson or Joe Nathan, such an approach would be penny-wise, but pound-foolish."
David Ortiz, Jonathan Papelbon file for free agency
October 31
Boston Herald
 
"If history is any guide, the odds of David Ortiz [stats] and Jonathan Papelbon [stats] re-signing with the Red Sox [team stats] are long. In the last decade, management has tended to allow its top free agents — Adrian Beltre, Victor Martinez, Jason Bay, Johnny Damon, Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe — to sign elsewhere in exchange for the extra draft picks, either out of a belief that those players' most productive seasons were behind them or an unwillingness to meet their desired price tag. Ortiz, the Red Sox' DH since 2003, and Papelbon, the closer since 2006, were among eight Red Sox who filed for free agency yesterday."
Open market for Red Sox closer
October 29
Boston Herald
 
"Let the offseason begin. The celebratory bubbly barely had time to dry last night in St. Louis when the free agent field started taking shape. For the next five days, eligible players may negotiate only with their most recent team. By Thursday, though, the overwhelming majority will be free to seek offers from other clubs. Jonathan Papelbon has been waiting for this moment. The Red Sox closer has long stated his willingness to pitch under a string of one-year contracts, risking injury and other depreciation to his value, until he reached free agency. Now, at age 31 (next month) and coming off a dominating season, he's finally able to test his worth on the open market. If the Red Sox ever"
Pap, Papi figure to test free agent market
October 26
Boston Herald
 
"When the World Series ends, possibly by tonight, players across the major leagues will file for free agency. And for five days, they will be able to negotiate only with their most recent team. But the Red Sox don't expect to quickly sign David Ortiz or Jonathan Papelbon. After his introductory press conference at Fenway Park yesterday, new general manager Ben Cherington said he expected Ortiz and Papelbon to test the market before deciding where they will play next season. Papelbon has looked forward to free agency for several years, and Ortiz figures to be tempted by the ability to determine his value on the open market."
Jonathan Papelbon aside, relief needed
October 4
Boston Herald
 
"When it came to the 2011 Red Sox [team stats] bullpen, we were sold a false bill of goods. In spring training, the biggest question actually was whether closer Jonathan Papelbon [stats] would keep his job, a notion that seems ridiculous eight months later. The Red Sox supposedly were blessed with an embarrassment of riches, from Bobby Jenks to Dan Wheeler to Daniel Bard. The reality proved far different. Papelbon was one of the few certainties, even he ended up blowing two huge games down the stretch, including the season finale in Baltimore. Bard was a disappointment in April, an All-Star through August, and an unmitigated disaster in September. Jenks got hurt and never contributed."
In closing, Papelbon leads
September 30
Boston Herald
 
"In the end, it was neither the 2.94 ERA nor even the 31 saves in 34 chances that most impressed Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein about closer Jonathan Papelbon. It was the maturity. "I actually told Pap earlier today, I think he took his overall game to a new level this year," Epstein said yesterday at Fenway Park [map]. "Not just on the field, but demonstrating some leadership capabilities. There was a time earlier in his career that I never thought I'd say that about Pap.""
Boston's historic collapse complete as Orioles rally for a pair off Papelbon in ninth
September 29
Boston Globe
 
"There have been nights of anguish over the years for the men who have worn the uniform of the Boston Red Sox. But nothing quite like what transpired at Camden Yards last night. The Sox had a one-run lead on the Baltimore Orioles in the bottom of the ninth inning. There were two outs, the bases were empty, and closer Jonathan Papelbon had the ball in his hands. One more out and the season would continue. One more out and there would be chance for redemption after a historic collapse. It never came. The Orioles scored two runs, the final on a single by Robert Andino, to stun the Red Sox, 4-3."
Forgiving only in cards
September 28
Boston Herald
 columnist Steve Buckley
"Jonathan Papelbon, the combination closer/travel agent of your Boston Red Sox, made the announcement at about 11:19 last night: Get JetBlue [JBLU] on the phone right now and book those flights for Tampa International Airport. "I expect Tampa is going to win (tonight) and I expect us to win (tonight)," Papelbon said, this after closing out the Red Sox' 8-7 victory over the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. "That's just the way the season's going to be," he said. "That's the way it's going to be throughout the postseason, that's the way tomorrow's going to be, and that's the way the final game against Tampa is going to be.""
Marriage worth saving
September 27
Boston Herald
 columnist Gerry Callahan
"The divorce was supposed to be neat and clean, no hard feelings, no TMZ scandals. They had some good years together: four trips to the postseason, four All-Star appearances, one World Series championship, and hundreds of consecutive sellout crowds that rocked Fenway Park every time he burst out of the bullpen to "I'm Shipping Up to Boston." And who ever will forget the good times? The Bud Light box on the head, the Irish jig, the primal scream and crazed facial expression that punctuated all the big saves that Jonathan Papelbon recorded in his Red Sox career. He had 218 of them heading into last night's game in Baltimore. In almost 400 appearances for the Sox, Papelbon's ERA is 2.27. He"
Pap gathers cobwebs
September 11
Boston Herald
 
"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."
Jonathan Papelbon better than ever
August 10
Boston Herald
 
"If you think Jonathan Papelbon has been good lately, just wait for what's around the corner. Papelbon is entering a zone of excellence reminiscent of his peak seasons of 2006-08, but he also has the chance to one-up himself. Blessed with the wisdom of age, experience and a deeper knowledge of how to work with strength and conditioning coach Dave Page, who is helping to maintain as well as squeeze excellence from the closer's body, Papelbon is soaring at exactly the right time. Last night, Papelbon made his third scoreless appearance in as many days, and managed to reach his career-best 21st consecutive save in the Red Sox' 4-3 victory against the Twins at Target Field. The one and only"
Papelbon back to his old self
August 5
Boston Herald
 
"With the Yankees in town tonight for the opener of a three-game series, it's worth remembering that the Red Sox tried to pry Mariano Rivera from New York last December with a two-year contract offer. It's also worth noting how well Jonathan Papelbon has been pitching. In his last eight appearances, Papelbon has allowed only one hit and struck out 10 in eight scoreless innings. Since June 10, he owns a 1.83 ERA in 20 outings, and overall, he's 24-for-25 in save opportunities with a 3.35 ERA. "It's probably the best I've felt since '07," Papelbon said yesterday. Last season, the Sox closer endured the worst year of his career, posting a 3.90 ERA and blowing eight saves. And only after"
Would it be stunning if the Red Sox kept Papelbon?
July 19
Providence Journal
 
"Maybe Jonathan Papelbon isn't headed out the door this year after all. The free-agent market for relief pitchers figures to be crowded this winter, and it got even more crowded when Francisco Rodriguez waived his $17.5 million vesting option. Heath Bell, Jonathan Broxton and Matt Capps don't have quite the same track record as Papelbon, but all have "Proven Closer" in big type atop their respective resumes, and all could be options for teams who don't want to commit $30 or $40 million to the most volatile commodity in baseball. Papelbon knows that -- "Of course I pay attention," he told WEEI.com's Rob Bradford before Sunday night's 16-inning epic -- but he also knows that his past"
Red Sox closer: Clean shave equals clean save
June 21
Boston Herald
 
"To shave or not to shave? A new study by the Elias Sports Bureau finds a trio of Major Leaguers play better baseball when they're clean shaven, but that doesn't begin to explain the Stanley Cup finals success of the bearded Bruins. "Well, I guess that would kind of contradict the theory a bit," said Jonathan Papelbon, the Sox closer who is also a pitchman for Philips Norelco, which commissioned the Elias study. "When you look good, you feel good, you play good," explained Papelbon, who touts Philips Norelco's SensoTouch 3D in a new ad campaign. Papelbon's first commercial for the company pits him against Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher with the players arguing about whether to use the"
Papelbon's suspension reduced to two games
June 18
Boston Globe
 
"Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon's suspension was reduced from three games to two following his appeal to Major League Baseball. The suspension stemmed from a June 4 incident involving Papelbon bumping plate umpire Tony Randazzo. "There's always got to be a process," Papelbon said this afternoon. "I think the [appeal] process was done very well and very fair for both sides. Like I said when this thing first happened, I have to own up to it, and I did. Now, the consequences are set.""
Papelbon has one to savor
June 8
Boston Globe
 
"Major League Baseball suspended Jonathan Papelbon for three games yesterday, punishment for bumping umpire Tony Randazzo after being ejected Saturday. Papelbon immediately appealed, which allowed him to come out of the bullpen in left field several hours later to a loud chorus of boos from the crowd at Yankee Stadium. He loved every second of it."
Jonathan Papelbon suspended 3 games
June 8
Boston Herald
 
"Jonathan Papelbon isn't dodging responsibility for his role during a furious argument with umpire Tony Randazzo last Saturday at Fenway Park. But the Red Sox closer doesn't think he deserves to be suspended either. Before earning the save in last night's 6-4 win at Yankee Stadium, Papelbon got slapped with a three-game ban and was fined an undisclosed amount for what Major League Baseball termed "his inappropriate actions, which included making contact with (the) home plate umpire." Papelbon is appealing the suspension and was thus eligible to pitch last night. At the very least, he's hoping to have the suspension reduced. Papelbon said he wasn't sure when his appeal would be heard. "My"
Jonathan Papelbon bags 200th save quicker than Mariano Rivera
June 8
Boston Herald
 
"A save — and what a beauty — for Jonathan Papelbon [stats]. With pitch-perfect timing, Papelbon saved the 200th game of his career last night in the presence of his professional hero, Mariano Rivera. Much more impressive than reaching that plateau for Papelbon was that, by doing it in his 359th career game, he did it faster than anyone in baseball history. And it was not just any closer whose record he broke. Papelbon obliterated Rivera's mark by reaching 200 in 23 fewer games than the Yankees great. For someone who learned prior to gametime that he faced a three-game suspension, Papelbon made a pretty smart move to appeal the penalty. Otherwise, he would have had to serve the suspension"
MLB suspends Papelbon for 3 games
June 8
Boston Globe
 
"This release from Major League Baseball: Boston Red Sox reliever Jonathan Papelbon has been suspended for three games and fined an undisclosed amount for his inappropriate actions, which included making contact with home plate umpire Tony Randazzo, during the top of the ninth inning of his Club's Saturday, June 4th game against the Oakland Athletics at Fenway Park. Joe Garagiola Jr., Senior Vice President of Standards and On-Field Operations for Major League Baseball, made the announcement."
Varitek, then Papelbon tossed in ninth inning
June 5
Boston Globe
 
"They got caught up in the heat of battle, but Jason Varitek and Jonathan Papelbon acknowledged they let their emotions get the best of them during the Red Sox' 9-8 extra-inning win over Oakland yesterday. Plate umpire Tony Randazzo ejected Varitek after the A's rallied for a pair of runs with one out in the ninth to pull within 7-5. Papelbon wasn't far behind when Randazzo ejected the fiery Sox closer after Conor Jackson's two-run single tied the score. Brian Gorman, the umpiring crew chief, declined to discuss why Randazzo tossed Varitek and Papelbon, saying a report first had to be filed with Major League Baseball."
Jonathan Papelbon's alter ego frighteningly effective
April 26
Boston Herald
 
"He's one of the most important players on the Red Sox, and yet we know almost nothing about him. He makes the Dos Equis Most Interesting Man in the World look like a monk. He strikes equal fear in opponents and teammates. He combines the terror of Jaws with the mystery of Nessie. He is Cinco Ocho. And he is the Sphinx, the pyramids, a column on Easter Island — an enigma that is oft seen, but little understood. "I don't know if I'm the right guy to answer that question," Red Sox reliever Dan Wheeler said. "I'm still trying to figure it out myself." Many believe Cinco Ocho is simply closer Jonathan Papelbon, but the reality is the two share nothing except a body. Papelbon is the player who"
Jonathan Papelbon returns to form
April 24
Boston Herald
 
"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"
A pressurized situation for Red Sox closer
March 20
Boston Globe
 
"There's nothing more volatile for a team than an unsettled closer situation. It can make or break you, especially if you're a contending team. Which is why the Jonathan Papelbon situation is so pins-and-needles for a Red Sox team that has so much to look forward to — but so much to lose if Papelbon is a bust in his contract year. Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon has said there's nothing worse than the deflating feeling a bad bullpen can give your team. You could have terrific starting pitching and a dynamite lineup, but if the closer comes in and gives up the lead, it's an awful feeling that can linger and bring the entire team down. And as we sit here with just a couple of weeks before the"
Beckett and Papelbon now float in uncertainty
March 19
Boston Globe
 columnist Tony Massarotti
"Between them, Josh Beckett and Jonathan Papelbon will count for $29 million on the Red Sox' record payroll this year. And yet the men who once stood as the bookends of the Boston pitching staff might now serve as the biggest questions entering this go-for-broke season. Maybe it was only fitting, then, that on the day the Red Sox identified Beckett as the No. 4 starter in a five-man staff, Papelbon went out and got slapped around in an 8-5 victory over the New York Mets at City of Palms Park. The Red Sox have rebuilt themselves over the last two winters with the acquisitions of, among others, John Lackey, Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford, turning over the nucleus of their roster in hopes"
A 'Big Three' in Sox bullpen
March 13
Boston Globe
 
"The best piece of bullpen management Terry Francona will do all year may have come while he was wearing a tuxedo in the Boston Public Library on the evening of Jan. 15. During his daughter's wedding reception, the Red Sox manager placed a hand on the shoulder of Jonathan Papelbon and said, "You realize you're my closer, right?'' "Yes, sir,'' Papelbon said."
Rough outing for Papelbon
March 12
Boston Globe
 
"Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon had been enjoying a placid spring training right up until he entered yesterday's split-squad game against the Twins. Papelbon started the fifth inning and was able to get only one out before he was removed, having thrown 13 of 31 pitches for strikes. Papelbon allowed a double by Jason Kubel before hitting Steve Holm and walking Alexi Casilla to load the bases. A sacrifice fly scored one run. Papelbon then walked Tsuyoshi Nishioka and Jason Repko, forcing in another run. "He struggled with command, up in the zone,'' said bench coach DeMarlo Hale, who managed the team. "We didn't want to extend him any more than 30 [pitches].''"
Jonathan Papelbon makes striking opening statement
March 2
Boston Herald
 
"Six pitches, all for strikes, and three outs. Pretty good start to the 2011 season for Jonathan Papelbon yesterday. "Yeah, I felt as locked in as I probably am going to get all spring,'' said Papelbon, his entire right arm encased in ice shortly after he pitched his one and done inning, the fifth, at Hammond Stadium against the Twins. "Hopefully I'll be able to continue to throw like that the rest of the spring and into the season.'' Papelbon retired the first batter he faced on a ground ball to third, then third baseman Brent Dlugach made a great dive on a bunted ball for another out (dislocating his left shoulder in the process). A ball up the middle caromed off Papelbon before being"
Papelbon lugging baggage
February 14
Boston Globe
 
"He's gone. This is it. One more season and Jonathan Papelbon and the Red Sox get divorced. In 2011, Papelbon is the dead man walking (and striking out) batters on the Fenway Park mound. You can search long and far before you find a single soul who believes Papelbon will be part of the Red Sox next season. It's been the organization's blueprint from Day 1. It's been Papelbon's plan, also. Give the Sox six full seasons of stellar relief, fire every bullet, then sign a megabucks deal with another team. Papelbon knows it. General manager Theo Epstein knows it. We are on the threshold of Papelbon's final campaign at Fenway, which makes this Sox season of great expectations a tad awkward for"
Jonathan Papelbon's missing swagger
February 14
Boston Herald
 
"Jonathan Papelbon has his health, he has his family and he has the job he has held for five seasons. Bobby Jenks or no Bobby Jenks, Dan Bard or no Dan Bard, it will be Pap on the mound in the ninth inning of Opening Day if the Red Sox have a lead that needs holding. The only thing Papelbon does not have, for now, is his swagger. And make no mistake about it, from the day he arrived in the majors in the summer of 2005, Jonathan Papelbon has been among the league leaders in swagger. It's practically stamped on his forehead. But he got lit up by the Angels in Game 3 of the 2009 American League Division Series, ending that season on a somber note, and last year his eight blown saves were the"
Papelbon, Ellsbury get one-year deals
January 19
Boston Globe
 
"The Red Sox have been successful in locking up their better young players in recent years, coming to terms on long-term contracts with Jon Lester, Dustin Pedroia, and Kevin Youkilis. Closer Jonathan Papelbon was a determined loner in that regard, taking a series of one-year deals and talking longingly of the time when he would become a free agent. That road was paved another mile yesterday when Papelbon avoided arbitration by agreeing on a one-year deal worth $12 million. The contract will make him the second-highest-paid relief pitcher in the game. Only Mariano Rivera of the Yankees, at $15 million, will make more."
Sox agree to deals with Papelbon, Ellsbury
January 18
Boston Herald
 
"The Red Sox have avoided arbitration with closer Jonathan Papelbon and center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, agreeing to one-year deals with both and maintaining GM Theo Epstein's streak of settling before the cases are heard, according to a source with knowledge of the deals. Papelbon will receive $12 million, while Ellsbury will earn $2. 4 million. They earned $9.35 million and $496,500 last year, respectively. The story was first reported by CSNNE.com. The Red Sox have not had an arbitration case heard since Epstein became GM. That streak lives thanks to deals in line with what each player was expected to make, despite down years for each."
Arbitration looms for Red Sox
January 18
Boston Herald
 
"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"
Papelbon's 2011 no laughing matter
December 28
Boston Herald
 
"A few weeks ago, after the news leaked that the Red Sox had made a three-year contract offer to New York Yankees great Mariano Rivera, manager Terry Francona was asked if he felt a need to call closer Jonathan Papelbon to make sure there weren't any hard feelings. "He may not even know," Francona said jokingly. Call it comic relief. It was funny because it seemed plausibly true. Over the past five years, Papelbon has proven to be, well, different. He famously claimed that his dog ate the ball with which the Red Sox clinched the 2007 World Series, and last winter, he insisted he didn't know about the signings of right-hander John Lackey and outfielder Mike Cameron until weeks after they"
Papelbon is all business, and so are the Sox
December 19
Boston Globe
 
"The strange existence of Jonathan Papelbon. Some have even suggested this could be Mike Lowell II, but there are many reasons it won't be. Certainly, the Red Sox have shopped and/or listened on Paplebon this winter, according to major league general managers, and even went so far as to offer Mariano Rivera a three-year deal for $51 million, with the idea that if they landed the 41-year-old, Papelbon would be gone. Papelbon is in his final year of arbitration, and there's a chance his agents will ask for about $11.5 million. The Red Sox have never gone to arbitration with Theo Epstein as GM, therefore they'll likely settle at around $11 million for a closer who blew eight saves last season."