The teenage-girl contingent of Red Sox Nation rejoiced yesterday when news broke of heartthrobs Jonathan Papelbon and Jacoby Ellsbury signing 1-year contracts with Boston.
Ellsbury bumped his pay up to $2.4 million and Papelbon will make a cool $12 million in 2011.
While this signing means two fan-favorites will be back in Fenway this season, do not be surprised if both of these gentlemen are not wearing a red B on their cap when the trade deadline comes around.
Papelbon was a stud in 2007 paving the way to a World Series Championship, but in the years following, his success dwindled. Last season the closer recorded a bloated 3.90 ERA with 8 Blown Saves. His fearsome stare does not rattle hitters like it used to. His overpowering fastball is looking more hittable than ever, and his act is getting more tired with every poor outing. Consider also that the Red Sox set-up man, Daniel Bard, throws 5 to 6 MPH faster than Papelbon! If the Sox are looking to close with a flame thrower, send out the man with rocket fuel over the one with lighter fluid.
Ellsbury still has great potential. The debate becomes whether he is move valuable on the field or on the trading block. The signing of Carl Crawford brings a hitting, fielding, stolen base machine to centerfield. An argument can also be made in favor of Mike Cameron’s bat in the lineup over Jacoby.
There are teams in the market for a talented centerfielder and a solid closer. The Sox have that covered with Crawford and Bard. What the Red Sox really need is a shortstop and a catcher for the future. The package of Papelbon and Ellsbury will be a tempting morsel for a team that is willing to part with a young prospect.
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