Sox pushing Pap?
Closer on pace for career-high in appearances
MLB. After an all-world April that saw Jonathan Papelbon convert all nine of his save opportunities, the Sox closer is on pace for his best season yet and a career-best 48 saves.
The increased production on the mound doesn’t come without its consequences, however, as Pap is also on pace to pitch in 71 games and total 76 innings pitched — a pair of totals that would obliterate his career caps in both categories.
The Sox coaching staff seemed to incorporate a sort of “Papelbon Rules” when it came to their closer last season, but — through both a dire need and a conscious decision to take the wraps off a bit — the 27-year-old seems to be free of all constraints this season.
Papelbon has regularly been asked to record more than three outs this season, but has also only pitched on back-to-back days once. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound flame-thrower has rang up a glittering 1.65 ERA through his first 15 games of 2008 to along with 10 saves and 21 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings pitched, and he feels strong enough to keep up with his increased workload.
“With the combination of the things I’ve learned the first three years, I’m starting to learn what it takes and what it doesn’t take — and how to throttle that gas pedal,” said Papelbon. “It’s been a huge difference-maker in my game and it lets me be successful daily.”
There are two serious and realistic concerns with Papelbon’s workload, though, no matter what level his throttle happens to be at on a particular day. The excess innings and stress could lead to an injury to Papelbon’s golden right arm, and there remains real worries that the Sox closer won’t be fresh in September unless another power arm can step up and lighten the burden on Mr. Riverdance.
As you might expect, Pap is full speed ahead without any noticeable worry.
“The innings and how much I’m throwing … I don’t let that that dictate what I’m going to do. It all boils down to experience,” said Papelbon. “The eighth and ninth inning stints … it all boils down to experience and what you’re accustomed to doing.”
