'08 Outlook for Jonathan Pabelbon

'07 Season: Papelbon entered Spring Training as a member of the Red Sox rotation but after the failure of Joel Pinero he returned to the closer role. Numero cinco ocho had a 1.85 ERA in 59 appearances for Boston last season. He had 84 K's while only walking 14 batters. He had a small period during the regular season where he became human and blew a couple of saves before rising back to the top. Some of his bad appearances can be blamed on lack of focus from the occasional migraine he suffers from. He did not give up an earned run during the playoffs and struck out the last batter of the World Series to seal the championship for the Red Sox.

'08 Outlook: Papelbon enters the 2008 season as the best closer in baseball, he has two complete major league seasons under his belt and a World Series title. Papelbon has the nerves to be a great closer with an intimating stare and a great fastball. The late season arm problems from '06 were not present in '07 thanks to Francona not over-pitching him. He will continue to be a major reason for the Red Sox to do well next season; as long as they can get to the 9th, Papelbon will deliver his part of the victory. Even with runners on base opposing batters could only hit .187 against him last season. Other than Josh Beckett, Papelbon is the best reason to be confident about the Sox chances in '08. He is the real deal and will continue to shine for year to come.