Quote:
Originally Posted by FLYguy3911
Pap was absolutely brutal in non-save situations. I don't have numbers off the top of my head, but I recall a lot of games when they called on him in the bottom of the 9th in a tie game, only to see him give up the go ahead run(s). I'll venture to guess the large majority of runs he gave up were in these scenarios. He is a good closer though when the game is on the line. I think once in a while you can call on your closer for 3+ out saves but not over the course of an entire season. The innings just add up and could be costly at the end. That's why you need a reliable setup man. I like Papelbon the player, I just don't like the contract. I don't believe in giving relievers long term contracts especially 30+.
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Just like most closers. Statistically speaking, many, many closers have vastly different stats in non-save situations. Lidge, Rivera, etc. The statistics are all out there if you just google "closers in non-save situations", you'll get dozens of stat-based articles illustrating the point.
Now, to Papelbon... he's definitely overpaid. No question about that. However, I'd rather overpay some and get production than underpay and end up with what we did in the 8th inning. Clearly, we need to get better there for next season.