The Future of Young Boston Red Sox Ace Jonathan Papelbon

Last year was a tough year for the Boston Red Sox. It seemed to look more like a classic Red Sox season. Filled with heartache and a few mind numbing circumstances. The year started off bizarre with the initial exit of whiz-kid Theo Epstein to his prodigal return before the season even started. There were signings or non-signings (Our furry faced centerfielder) that did not go as the team planned. Coco Crisp showed flashes but was no Damon. There were trades that did not exactly go Boston's way and definitely left some fans puzzled. Beckett was traded for Rookie of the Year Hanley Ramirez and Mr. No Hitter Anibal Sanchez. Beckett was less than awesome and left Sox fans wondering if he was ever going to stop throwing his 96 mph fastball belt high to the entire American League. Lets not even get into the Doug Mirabelli. First we trade him, then we have to beg for him back. Last season also had more episodes from the "Manny Being Manny" Show to the next Bruce Hurst, Jon Lester, coming down with cancer. Yes Red Sox fans not much did go your way last year, except for the phenomenal year by rookie closer Jonathan Papelbon.

If the Red Sox somehow did make the playoffs last year, it was the first time since Mariano Rivera took over for John Wettland, that the Red Sox had the edge over the Yankees in the closer position. Not only was Papelbon good, he was ridiculous. He was lights out. Even if he got himself into a jam in the ninth he found a way to close the door in heroic fashion. The old Boston faithful knew that this may be the best closer that this team has seen. He was at least the best since Dick Radatz. The women of Boston, who might have been crying over the loss of Damon (I was crying too, but was happy to see less of those Pink Red Sox shirts in the stands) and Gabe "the Babe" Kapler being out in the beginning of the year with a torn achilles, were all "oooing-and-ahhhing" over this new young Red Sox stud.

Papelbon lit a fire under this city that was comparable to the early popularity (oh my God I am going to say his name) of Nomar. The energy in the stadium can only be described as the energy that happened ever fifth day in Boston when Mr. Martinez use to take the mound. Papelbon was easily the best closer in the American League last year, and was arguably the best in the game last year. My question is why are you going to take the possible best closer and baseball and replace him with Joel Piniero. Piniero is taking the opposite route that Papelbon is on. Piniero, was a fairly good starter that the Sox are trying to turn into a closer. This seems like craziness.

I am not going to believe that every good team needs a closer to win the World Series or even get to the World Series. I do believe that you need a good bullpen, and as for now we will have to wait-and-see how this year's Sox turn out. It is true having a good closer definitely helps your chances. We will only have to look at Keith Foulke in 2004 and Rivera's three rings that he won as the Yankees' closer. But Adam Wainright was not a veterab closer and he did a great job last year, 2003 Marlins won with Braden Looper being the closer, and I think we all remember how good the Diamondbacks' Korean sensation Kim did in the World Series. Fact is that you do not need a dominant lights out closer to win it all, but why fix what is not broken.

Jonathan Papelon, with the addition of Lester, Dice-K, and Beckett, will form a quartet of quality starters on the Sox under the age of 26. They are also all under contract for at least three years. There is a potential chance of a dynasty forming under these arms. My hope for Red Sox fans is that this scenario does not happen. "Papelbon throws 8 quality innings and leaves the game with a two run lead. In comes Piniero. And that's the final score folks, Yankees 5 and the Sox 4. The Yankees scoring three in the ninth. I bet Francona wishes he had a Papelbon to replace Papelbon."