Post by sinctybldh on Mar 22, 2007 13:26:43 GMT -5
ESPN is reporting that the Red Sox will announce after Thursday's game that Jonathan Papelbon is going to be shifted back to the bullpen.
Even though Papelbon has been publically enthused about the move to the rotation, it sounds like he's requesting the return to the closer's role. A switch would settle a situation that has been a major issue in camp, but the Red Sox would be foolish to make the move based on the media and fan perception of the team's needs. Papelbon would likely be more valuable throwing 200 innings than 70, not that he's a lock to do either. The Red Sox better be confident that a move back to the pen wouldn't put him at any additional risk, and they'd need to put restrictions on how manager Terry Francona is allowed to use him. A change would probably make Julian Tavarez the team's fifth starter initially, with Jon Lester waiting in the wings. Kyle Snyder would also be an option.
Even though Papelbon has been publically enthused about the move to the rotation, it sounds like he's requesting the return to the closer's role. A switch would settle a situation that has been a major issue in camp, but the Red Sox would be foolish to make the move based on the media and fan perception of the team's needs. Papelbon would likely be more valuable throwing 200 innings than 70, not that he's a lock to do either. The Red Sox better be confident that a move back to the pen wouldn't put him at any additional risk, and they'd need to put restrictions on how manager Terry Francona is allowed to use him. A change would probably make Julian Tavarez the team's fifth starter initially, with Jon Lester waiting in the wings. Kyle Snyder would also be an option.
