The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers rank 28th and 25th, respectively, in Major League Baseball in games saved. There is no doubt these teams could use an upgrade at the closer position and talks of their interest in acquiring Jonathan Papelbon from the Philadelphia Phillies have hit the trade block. What are the pros and cons when dealing with Papelbon for both teams? Here are a couple.
Red Sox Need Rescue
With only 17 saves in the season, their tandem of Joel Hanrahan and Andrew Bailey has faltered in 2013. Hanrahan is out for the season and Bailey lost his job as the closer after being unable to close out games at the end of the month. Currently, Koji Uehara has been in charge of closing out games for the Red Sox. However, they would prefer to reserve the righty for the setup role.
Papelbon is familiar with the Red Sox. That's a pro. He has won a World Series with the team and understands what it takes to succeed in Boston, where not many have been able to triumph. The bad news is Papelbon didn't leave in good grace. He made his entrance in Philadelphia by comparing Philly fans to Red Sox fans, saying those in the City of Brotherly Love are more knowledgeable and conscious of the game. It doesn't seem like Papelbon would fit into Boston anymore as comments like that would not make the fan base too happy.
However, baseball is about winning games. Papelbon has 18 saves in 34 appearances this year, single-handedly recording more saves than the entire Red Sox bullpen.
Tigers Tamed Late in Games
In 27 save opportunities, the Tigers have recorded 18 saves. Long gone are the days where Papa Grande (Jose Valverde) terrorized hitters when he ran into the field. He went 9 for 12 with a 5.59 ERA, allowing 12 earned runs in 19.1 innings pitched before being released. As the Tigers are struggling to remain on top of the A.L. Central, they will need a closer to back up a decent pitching staff that is 10th in the MLB with 48 wins.
Comerica Park would absolutely help Papelbon and possibly make his numbers even better. He's only surrendered four home runs in 34.2 innings pitched, two of which have come at home, in the hitter-friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park. Moving Papelbon to Comerica will ensure that some of the line drives stay in the park. He's a flyball pitcher, which makes the Tigers the perfect suitors for Papelbon.
Pappy Problems
Papelbon's velocity has been dropping steadily over the past two years. In 2011, he was topping out in the mid 90's with his fastball. Once a Philly, on average, Papelbon rarely exceeded 95 mph. In 2013, the right-hander has yet to touch the mid 90's and is currently averaging speeds of around 92 mph on his fastball.
Papelbon has also encountered issues as of late when closing games. In the month of June, within a week, he blew four saves. It's not the most impressive stat, but Papelbon has recomposed himself and has recorded four consecutive saves.
