Papelbon Officially Signs; Worley 3rd in NL ROY
Posted by Pat Gallen, Mon, November 14, 2011 02:18 PM | Comments: 10
Analysis, News, Opinion, Posts
Papelbon's deal is now official. (PHOTO: AP)
–In a press release from the Phillies:
Right-hander Jonathan Papelbon has signed a four-year, $50,000,058 million contract with the Phillies, Senior Vice President & General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today. The contract includes a vesting option for 2016.
Papelbon, 30, went 4-1 with 31 saves and a 2.94 ERA in 63 appearances this past season with the Boston Red Sox. He had a career-best 87 strikeouts in 64.1 innings (12.2 SO/9.0 IP) and held opponents to a .207 batting average. In his final 25 games of the season, Papelbon posted a 1.35 ERA, allowing four earned runs in 26.2 innings pitched and did not allow a home run in his last 30.2 innings (29 games).
“We are really pleased to bring Jonathan to Philadelphia,” said Amaro. “He is among the elite closers in the game and someone who clearly has a passion to win.”
During the 2011 season, Papelbon became the first player in major league history to collect at least 30 saves in each of his first six full big league seasons and the fastest to 200 career saves (359 games), besting Mariano Rivera‘s previous record (382).
Among American League relievers in 2011, Papelbon ranked second in strikeouts per walks (8.7), third in strikeouts and fewest walks per 9.0 innings (1.4) and had the fifth-lowest opponents’ on-base percentage (.247). A four-time All-Star (2006-09), Papelbon led all AL relievers in strikeouts (475) over the past six seasons (2006-11) and was second in saves (219), trailing only Rivera (224).Originally selected by Boston in the fourth round of the 2003 draft, Papelbon is 23-19 with 219 saves and a 2.33 ERA in 396 games (three starts), all with the Red Sox. He ranks eighth among active pitchers in saves and has averaged 10.7 strikeouts per 9.0 innings in his major league career. Additionally, Papelbon’s career 88.3 save percentage is sixth-best in major league history (minimum 190 save opportunities).
In 18 career postseason games, Papelbon is 2-1 with seven saves and a 1.00 ERA. Seventeen of his 18 postseason appearances have been scoreless, including a 26.0-inning scoreless streak.
Papelbon will wear #58.
–Craig Kimbrel was named the National League Rookie of the Year was named, just ahead of teammate Freddie Freeman. Vance Worley finished third.
Kimbrel was a unanimous choice, becoming the 10th player ever to get every first place vote. Worley grabbed eight second place votes.
Posts: 684 betasigmadeltashag
I have to say I am impressed within a minute of getting a text from the Phillies that they signed Pap, you have this nice write up. Way to go.
I know I have sounded like I hate this signing, I really do not. I think Papelbon will be a great closer for the Philliies especially in 2012. Living in VT I am forced to watch a lot of red sox games. And though I cheer against them, more harrasing the people I am watching with, I always had a feeling when he came in with a lead the game was over. Now if he helps bring a ring and the WS trophey back to Philly, I may care less about the last year of this contract and what is costing us.
But I can not help but think that this Philles team could weather a storm of blown saves early on in the year finding a cheaper version and spending the money later if you could not find someone within the organization.
I will finish with if it came down to Pap or Madson, I would take Papelbon
Posted: 02:39 PM on November 14, 2011
Posts: 0 Frank Riccard
Considering the years Kimbrel and Freeman had, and the fact the he essentially came out of nowhere, finishing third in the NL ROY is pretty huge for the Vanimal. Hopefully this success only adds to the immense amounts of swag and confidence he drips all over the mound during every start.
As for Paps, I want to hate this deal because of the insane cost, but I just can’t for some reason. The guy is the real deal, and I’m excited to see him earn every penny. So yeah, I’m sure in a few months when #58 shirseys are available, I’ll be the first jerk in line.
Posted: 03:06 PM on November 14, 2011
Posts: 511 EricL
The Papelbon introductory press conference is being live-streamed right now. Two questions in and he’s already being a douche.
“Why that extra $58 in you contract Jon?”
“I had nothing to do with that. You’d have to ask sinco ocho about that. I have his number if you need it.” [guffaw]
Ugh.
Posted: 05:15 PM on November 14, 2011
Posts: 511 EricL
Sorry, “…cinco ocho…”
I suck at spelling in Spanish.
Posted: 05:18 PM on November 14, 2011
Posts: 1637 Chuck A.
So what if the dude has an alter ego and is a little weird. He didn’t hit his wife, give the fans the finger or take himself out of a game to preserve some title or award. He’s a relief pitcher with a strange personality…that’s all. As long as he comes in and closes games for the Phillies he can say any damn goofy thing he wants.
Posted: 05:26 PM on November 14, 2011
Posts: 511 EricL
Disliking douches does not preclude me from disliking moron wifebeaters or players on other teams or anything. I can dislike lots of people at once. It’s one of my special talents.
Posted: 11:33 PM on November 14, 2011
Posts: 0 davehist
Relief pitchers often have strange personalities. The stranger the better if they do the job. And I think Papelbon should do the job in Philly. (I hope!)
Posted: 05:42 PM on November 14, 2011
Posts: 265 Bruce
I felt it would be a close race for ROY honors between Freeman and Kimbrel. Not to take anything away from Kimbrel’s great season including a franchise record for most saves, I would have pick Freeman. As a everyday position player, he had contributed more offensively and defensely. And I may add that Freeman was above average on defense at 1B.
A few here mention Papelbon’s “quirky” demeanor. I also have read about some of his clubhouse pranks. I too wonder how his intense personality will play in the Phillies clubhouse.
Another thing that bothers me about Papelbon is that he is often reluctant to throw anything but a fastball (unlike Madson who has a great changeup to go with his fastball). I read a great line so aptly noted by HOF Ed Mathews many years ago, a big league hitter could time a jet coming across the plate if he saw it often enough. LOL
I came across some stats for Papelbon that makes me uncomfortable about him. Over the past three seasons, among all relievers with at least 150 innings, Papelbon ranks 16th in OBP; 18th in slugging percentage; 19th in BA and 23rd in ERA. Yikes!
Posted: 12:28 AM on November 15, 2011
Posts: 0 bostonkate
When I heard of this, all I could think of was the Sox/Orioles game back in September that ended it all. I was there and it was even uglier in person.
I still really really hate this move and dislike Papelbon.
Posted: 08:46 AM on November 15, 2011
Posts: 0 online fun videos
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Posted: 12:31 PM on April 2, 2012