Papelboner 101

Alrite Ive sat and stewed about this long enough. It seems my silent protest and general malaise regarding these winter months has proved futile in hopes of quelling my fury regarding the red sox. Im sitting here trying to come up with rational thoughts or even words that arent complete gibberish regarding the red sox but I can't do it so instead of talking about the Red Sox, Im going to... talk about the red sox?Huh? Bear with me.

Keith Foulke's retirement. God bless you Keith you gave up your career for a Red Sox World Series win. (Yes RJ it DID happen.) Pitching absurd amounts of lights out innings for that peice of Red Sox lore will forever make you great in the Nation's eyes. Coincidentally, the sox now face a dilemma at the closer position. Theo and the brass (not his band, the sox management) have decided Papelbon's career is more important than winning a World Series. How? Well lets face it, Joel Piniero aint a top notch closer in Little League, much less the Major Leagues, however in order to maintain the length of papelbon's career it's been decreed he become a starter instead of a God of a closer and the next Mo Rivera. Note: This worked for the Braves and John Smoltz, and Im not a doctor so Ill just assume pitching every fifth day is healthier than closing.

Now the question I pose is this: Would Papelbon give his career to win a world series? I say a resounding yes. He's said he'd embrace the role of closer if Tito wants him there next year, and I believe him. I believe in my heart of hearts (probably a bit naive) that most professional athletes would sacrifice their careers for a world championship victory. See: Brett Favre's deal with El Diablo that has run out. Am I saying Papelbon would rather close than start? Heck no. He knows he's better off starting and with him in the rotation the sox have arguably the best staff in baseball (this assumes Dice-K isnt Hideki Irabu part deux) and have to be considered among the favorites to win a World Series.