Jonathan Papelbon - Fantasy News & Updates
Jonathan Papelbon - Fantasy News & Updates
Position:
Status:
Previous 15 - Next 15
Follow MLB.com Fantasy on Twitter
Fantasy News
Fantasy Analysis
While Papelbon’s year will be defined by his breakdown in Game 3 of the ALDS vs. the Angels, he did enjoy a strong campaign, holding opposing hitters to a minuscule .213 batting average against and blowing only three saves. His big problem was control, as the 24 walks he issued were more than his last two seasons combined. He shed those issues down the stretch, though, compiling an excellent 29/4 K/BB ratio over the last two months of the season. Given his status as a hardened closer, owners needn’t be concerned about his mindset going forward. Papelbon will come back in 2010 with a renewed sense of determination and reaffirm his place among the elite firemen in the game.
A heartbreaking end of the season for Papelbon, who squandered a two-run lead by giving up four hits and two walks en route to his first ever postseason loss. His only other blown save during the playoffs came last October, also against the Angels. One has to wonder whether Papelbon will be affected by this after an otherwise superb year, highlighted by 38 saves and a 1.85 ERA.
The Billy Wagner acquisition seems to have lit a fire under Papelbon, who has posted a 1.59 ERA since the start of September and converted his past 13 save opportunities. He is three saves shy of the career-high 41 he notched last season.
The outing came one day after Papelbon was declared available. The Red Sox closer suffered the injury on Sept. 15, when he surrendered one earned run and two hits over one inning. Friday dropped his ERA to 1.97, while lifting his season strikeout total to 73.
With the postseason in sight and four saves to go before reaching 40 for the second straight season, Papelbon has ample reason to get back on the mound. Activate him accordingly.
"This is just a one-day thing," Papelbon told the Boston Herald. "I'll be back good tomorrow." Billy Wagner has not been cleared to pitch on back-to-back nights since joining the Red Sox, so manager Terry Francona turned to rookie Daniel Bard to close things out Wednesday. Although Bard gave up a run in his inning of work, he would go on to pick up the win after the Red Sox finished off the Angels in walk-off fashion.
Sunday's dominating performance was a welcome bounce-back for the fireballing closer who gave up a run on a couple of hits his last time out. Papelbon, who has struck out the side six times this year, is fourth in the AL in saves and has fanned 81 batters in 62 innings of work this season.
The acquisition of Billy Wagner seems to have brought out the best in Papelbon, who has converted four straight save opportunities over 5 2/3 scoreless frames since Wagner came on board. The only downside is that after throwing 28 pitches, the Red Sox fireman may not be available for the next few days.
Paps has struggled with his command and a slew of unsavory performances, but his three-game run from Aug. 24-28 has settled owners' stomachs churning at the thought of him possibly sharing a closer role if his struggles had continued. The righty has fanned seven batters over three innings in those starts, helping him run three scoreless efforts in that span and reminding owners why he's still one of the game's finest closers.
For a guy who had 77 punchouts against just eight walks last year, Papelbon has taken a noticeable step backward when it comes to throwing strikes. In fact, the 23 walks he's issued this season represent a career high, narrowing his margin for error. Don't be surprised if Papelbon's ERA shoots up a bit over the last several weeks.
Papelbon, who has blown just one save since May 25, has lived up to his billing as one of fantasy's top firemen. The Red Sox have strong starting pitching and reliable setup men, so the right-hander should continue to receive -- and convert -- many more save opportunities in the second half.
All signs point toward Papelbon beginning to take care of business in a more efficient manner lately. Two of his five outings in July have been completed without allowing a baserunner.
Not exactly the conventional way to do it, but Papelbon fanned a pair -- including a game-ending strikeout of Jack Cust -- to notch his 22nd save in 24 chances. Even after giving up a run his ERA still stands at a minute 1.89, although his 4.26 BB/9 ratio could definitely use some improvement.
No shock here, as Papelbon has converted 20 of 22 saves while posting a 1.75 ERA, and Beckett owns a 9-3 record with a 3.67 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 105 1/3 innings.
Paps showed a couple glitches in his armor with a warning track fly ball and a double to deep left-center field one day after giving up an earned run on two hits in a non-save situation. Still, he's about as reliable a closer as one can find and should finish among the Majors' saves leaders by the end of the season.
Previous 15 - Next 15
