Sox Closer To Phillies

Red Sox Closer Johnathan Papelbon has recently agreed to a 4-year 50 million dollar contract with Philadelphia, pending a physical. The newly inked contract will also include a vesting option for the 2016 season. Papelbon broke into the league in 2005 with the Red Sox as a starter, but made the transition to the team's closer the following season. In his first full season, Papelbon enjoyed a sensational rookie campaign, recording a minuscule 0.92 ERA and while saving 35 games. Between 2006 and 2011 Papelbon earned well over 30 saves in each season, including a career high 41 in the 2008 season. Papelbon has established himself as an elite closer, and he wanted to be payed like it from day one. Well he got his wish.

So how does this affect the Red Sox? First off, Papelbon was a type-A free agent so Boston will receive the 31st overall pick in the 2012 amateur draft as compensation for their loss. In the past, the Theo Epstein led-Red Sox were extremely successful at turning these compensation picks into solid major league players. It will interesting to see if newly appointed GM Ben Cherrington will carry on his success. Their are also many viable options to replace Papelbon. Many people believe that fire balling set-up man Daniel Bard could step in to the closer roll. I personally would not have a problem with this. Although he struggled down the stretch in 2011, he is very talented and has developed nicely since breaking into the league in 2009. Although many pitchers can't cut it as a closer, give the kid a chance. He may not have the mindset of Brian Wilson or Pap, you never know. Danny Kolber of CSN Sports also claims that the Sox have been linked to Heath Bell and Ryan Madson.  Former all-star closer Bobby Jenks also has a shot at the job. It is unlikely though, as he is coming off a disastrous 2011 season with the Red Sox. http://twitter.com/#!/DKnobler/status/135093770688532480

Hello Blogesphere!

Hello Blogeshphere! This is my humble attempt at a Red Sox hot stove blog. We're in for a chilly winter so hopefully our Sox will make some moves to heat things up. It is going to be an interesting offseason that for sure. Who will be taking the helm to replace Tito? What kind of moves will Ben Cherrington make in his debute season in Beantown? Will keystone players David Ortiz and Jon Papelbon be back for the 2012 campaing? I will voice my opinions and supply you guys will constant updates on all things Red Sox.