Yeah, Punchy Gardner really tattooed that one. I'm sure Papelbon dreads the idea of facing THAT guy for the next decade. And with the hit, the phenom bumped his on-base percentage to .208. Not bad for a leadoff guy!
As for Papelbon, he'll get another shot in Yankee Stadium soon enough. He'll be the logical choice for AL manager Terry Francona to close out the All Star Game in the Bronx.
Because, no, Francona is NOT obligated to use Yankees closer Mariano Rivera for this "historic" game. The All Star Game isn't about good will anymore - these days it counts, right? And, sure, Rivera's still a dominant closer (87 saves the last 3 seasons, to Papelbon's 98). But Mo's had his time. And who would you rather close a postseason game right now?
To the victors go the spoils, Tito. Close the game with Papelbon on the mound, Varitek behind the plate. (Well, at least Papelbon deserves it). Will the Yankees have a problem with that? Well, win the World Series.
In the meantime, the Yanks need to get to work on the Rays tonight. Most Sox fans will be rooting for them. They might be the most expensive group of spoilers ever assembled.
---Dennehy
Comments (2)
Hmmm...Papelbon can't use "Enter Sandman."
Perhaps "Send in the Clowns"?
Some may not be aware the "save" stat is dependent on the "save opportunity." The total save stat alone is the most manipulated in baseball, and is only used alone when someone has something to hide. For instance, Papelbon in his 99 regular season saves had 112 'save opportunities. Mariano only had 94. Therefore, using the save stat alone does not make a case that one is better/more deserving than the other. If you want another reminder of the superficiality of the total save stat alone, check out the current AL saves leader and what he did at the end of the 2007 All Star game. He did get out of it, but walked 2 to load the bases--good job but the total save stat didn't make him better.