Jon Papelbon

Just a few days ago, I mentioned that Jon Papelbon would replace Keith Foulke in the "closer" role by June 1st. After Foulke struggled in his season debut on Tuesday, I asked to amend that, as it was obvious Keith Foulke no longer has the makeup for the position.

I guess I wasn't alone in that assessment, as Red Sox manager Terry Francona called on Papelbon in the 9th inning of a 2-1 game last night in Texas. And the kid was dazzling.

Look, I don't wish to tear down Keith Foulke, without whom the Red Sox wouldn't have won a World Series in 2004. He was absolutely phenomenal that season, and even more so in the playoffs. It's unfortunate that his knees are now bone-on-bone, and it's even more unfortunate that some rather bone-headed statements made on WEEI have tarnished his image in Boston. I deplore the people of Boston to realize how important Keith Foulke was to that franchise erasing 86 years of futility, and remember him for that, and not the "Johnny from Burger King" remarks made during a period where Foulke was having some off-field issues, not including him obviously knowing his career was coming to a screeching halt.

But his days as a closer in Boston are officially over. Barring an injury in the rotation which necessitate Papelbon making some spot starts, I can't see any scenario where Keith Foulke is given the ball in the 9th inning in a game the Red Sox lead by 3 runs or less (those circumstances constitute a "save situation", by the way).

The role of closer is one that requires a player who has ice water coursing through his veins. The best closer in baseball is still Mariano Rivera, who operates with a surgeon-like precision, rattling him is nearly impossible. Same thing can be said about Brad Lidge or Billy Wagner. These guys can be beaten from time to time, but they're going to rebound from that, both mentally and physically.

Keith Foulke doesn't appear to meet the "physically" part of that. It could be argued that he doesn't have the capacity to rebound from either aspect, but since I'm not in Foulke's head, I couldn't possibly make that claim. The "deer in headlights" look on his face last night in Texas seems to lend credence to that argument, though.

I mentioned to the couple of friends that were over watching that 9th inning last night that Papelbon has the look of a serial killer when he's on the mound, and that's why I think he has the makings of a successful closer. We know he has the stuff to succeed at the position, and that steely-eyed calmness he displays on the mound is why I think he could be much more than just a serviceable closer, but a dominant closer at the major league level.