Boston Sports Then and Now

Jonathan Papelbon will earn $9.35 million this season.

Boston came to terms with three players to avoid arbitration. Jonathan Papelbon was signed for $9.35 million for this upcoming year. Ramon Ramirez and Manny Delcarmen have also agreed to terms with Boston.

Is Papelbon worth that much to the Red Sox? After all, he is the man who blew a save in game three of the ALDS last year.

Since Papelbon has been a closer with the Red Sox since 2006, he has blown 17 saves out of 168

opportunities. He has had at least 35 saves in each of the last four years and his ERA went over 2.00 only once, which was in 2008.

In 298 innings pitched, Papelbon has recorded 346 strikeouts. When he first came to the Red Sox, he opened eyes as one of the best closers in the game. About four years later now, fans have a little different approach to him.

He isn’t perfect anymore, as he had a 0.92 ERA in 2006. There was no way he was going to keep those numbers that low. Now, it seems like more and more people are starting to dislike the Boston closer.

Papelbon’s numbers have still been good, but should he be earning $9.35 million? Read the rest of this entry →

Will Jason Bay be roaming around left field for Boston next season?

With their arch rivals winning the World Series this year, you better believe the Red Sox will do whatever it takes to get back at the Yankees.

Boston played 162 games this past season only to get swept by the Angels in the playoffs. Almost seems like a waste. The Red Sox won’t let that happen again.

General manager Theo Epstein has his eyes on a few key players if the team cannot keep Bay.

Bay batted .267 with 36 homers and 119 RBI’s. He led the team with 94 walks, but he also led with 162 strikeouts.

Over 171 players applied for free agency, so there are plenty of big names on the market.

The Boston Herald reported that the Red Sox are currently interested in outfielders Matt Holliday and Rick Ankiel. Third basemen Adrian Beltre and reliever Mike Gonzalez are also on Boston’s radar.

Holliday did have a greater batting average compared to Bay. He hit .313 with 24 home runs and 109 RBI’s.

If the Red Sox do not sign Bay, I would expect them to go after Holliday. He would be a great fit in Boston. He has a little less power than Bay, but hits for more average.
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