I have to remind myself that this Spring Training. Yet, an implosion like yesterday is a reminder of Pap's 8 blown saves last season. In 2007, he was dominant, almost unhittable.
This is Pap's walk year and it seems that Theo is not committed to him long-term. I would think that Pap would be motivated about becoming a free agent and testing the waters for a lucrative long-term deal that other teams may offer him.
Boston Red Sox - Red Sox’ Papelbon has rough outing - The Boston Globe
Saturday, March 12, 2011
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Yes, it is Spring Training and no one should be all bent out of shape. But, and this is a huge but, we are seeing the same difficulties with Dice-K too. We have 2 full weeks left in the Spring before Opening Day on April 1. I've seen the hue and cry already for inserting Wake into the #5 spot in the rotation. With the hefty Dice-K price tag, that's not going to happen YET. He's gonna have to implode badly in the regular season for Wake to get in there.
ReplyDeletePap is another story. Theo isn't going to tolerate many blown saves this season. With Jenks and Bard out there, he has 2 capable guys that can close. Pap needs his A-game if he wants to retain his job consistently. This is a walk year for him and if he comes close to his 8 blown saves from last season, divorce papers will be filed by the Sox. He may also find it hard to draw those lucrative long-term deals from other teams. The closer's a team's back door. No one will want something that's falling off its hinges!!