Can I just say that Jonathan Papelbon is the most exciting closer to watch since Eric Gagne went on his ridiculous streak of consecutive saves?
Watching Paps tonight was like watching a lino zeroing in on a helpless gazelle. He performs, like a trained actor. He came in tonight with 1 out in the 8th, men on the corners. The first batter he faced was a defining moment for Paps. Coming in to face the Rangers most consistent hitter, Michael Young, already deep in trouble, he opened him with a fastball. 94 mph, blew it by him swinging. Second pitch, splitter, in the dirt, Young holds off. Third pitch, fastball, 95 mph, blew it by him swinging. Fourth pitch, fastball, 96 mph, froze him at the plate, strike three, out. He then threw one pitch to the next batter, as the batter popped up. Out of the inning in 5 pitches.
His toughness is unquestioned, and the glare is impenetrable. He takes a deep breath, then stares in, lips pursed in an O shape, as if after he throws that 96 mph fastball by you, a smoke ring will slowly emerge from his mouth. Paps moving back to the bullpen to be closer could prove to be the biggest move in the Red Sox season, as he has yet to waver under pressure, or show fear in front of the best hitters in the game. Papelbot could prove to be at Mariano-level if he keeps consistent for a few more years.
Way to go Johnson, but I was cheering for Eldrick to make the comeback. Tiger, you had 3 holes to go to make that shot, and the water hazard wasn't worth the risk. I commend Johnson for BEATING Tiger, rather than having Tiger concede.
Goodnight Senegal.
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