Papelbon to Close!!!

[zevon]

Reported in game on ESPN (Sox/Phils) that Paps is indeed heading back to the pen.
Great news for Sox fans, only wish I'd taken the flyer on drafting him as this should raise his fantasy value.
No link, just turn on the game....

[Hitdogman]

Yeah, I just heard this on WEEI. Looks like they will monitor Papelbon's outings but he's going back to the closer role, with Tavarez taking his spot in the rotation.

[josebach]

Here is it on Rotoworld

ESPN is reporting that the Red Sox will announce after Thursday's game that Jonathan Papelbon is going to be shifted back to the bullpen.

Even though Papelbon has been publically enthused about the move to the rotation, it sounds like he's requesting the return to the closer's role. A switch would settle a situation that has been a major issue in camp, but the Red Sox would be foolish to make the move based on the media and fan perception of the team's needs. Papelbon would likely be more valuable throwing 200 innings than 70, not that he's a lock to do either. The Red Sox better be confident that a move back to the pen wouldn't put him at any additional risk, and they'd need to put restrictions on how manager Terry Francona is allowed to use him. A change would probably make Julian Tavarez the team's fifth starter initially, with Jon Lester waiting in the wings. Kyle Snyder would also be an option.

As a Papelbon owner and someone who was already looking for a third closer to accompany Putz and Nathan... I'm pumped!

[Don G.]

This is great. It solidifies my reliver situation! Wagner + Papelbon with Shields providing holds.

[josebach]

Figure as a closer he would have gone in the 5-7th round probably and as a starter he was going after round 10. Definitely a nice break for those who got him as a starter.

[denicola_dominates]

i agree very good news with reliving neccessary owners but it is also good news for julian tavarez, who will do well this year i think fill him in the lineup if you need a solid starter.......

[pjalst]

, so what do i do with Pineiro?

[sox 06]

He's just looked better as a closer. I didn't think this would happen this soon. Good move though as long as Beckett/D-Mat perfrom good this season.

[HKDflip]

Yeah! Now my reliever crisis is over and so is the Red Sox's! Now who's gonna take that 5th position in ther rotation? Id say Pinero 75% Tavarez 25%

[commence8]

They should remove Papelbon's SP eligibility in Sportsline. Either that, or add Teahen's eligibility in the OF.