Papelbon Out

After 6 full and solid seasons as the Red Sox closer, Jonathan Papelbon will be signing with the Phillies. Although I am sad to see him gone, it was time for him to move on. Because he has been so dominate for his entire stay with the Sox, he was due for a large payday. At this point in time, with so many holes needing to be filled, it would not be wise for the Red Sox to invest in an 8 figure closer. With so much talent on the open market at the closers position, this is ideal timing for Boston to let him walk.

Because Papelbon was a "TYPE A" free agent, the Red Sox will be compensated with a first round pick from the Phillies for 2012. Also, that 13-15 million dollars that we would have had to pay Pap will be free to spend elsewhere. With Joe Nathan, Brad Lidge, Heath Bell, Fransisco Rodriguez, Coco Cordero, and Ryan Madson on the market, the Red Sox will be able to fill the hole left by Papelbon without a problem, and will more than likely have plenty left over (From Papelbons potential earnings alone).

If there is a way to acquire Madson on a 3-4 year deal between 6-8 million a year, it would be a very smart move for Boston. Heath Bell would most likely be too expensive, but would make a lot of sense at around 9 million for 2-3 years. At any rate, the Red Sox should sign more than one potential closer. With Daniel Bard, Aceves, and possibly Bobby Jenks returning, a combo signing of Lidge and Nathan for short money would be extremely compelling. Both are closers that competed at a very dominate level. If both are signed and one of the two could compete at a level close to years past, the Sox would be very big winners.

It will be very interesting to see what the market is for closers. Because Papelbon, argueably the best closer available on the market, was signed so soon, there could be a chance that the market will be reletively low, especially since the supply is much higher than the demand. If I were the GM today, I would sign Nathan to a one year $3 million deal with a $6 club option for 2013. I would also sign Brad Lidge for $4 million with a $7 club option for 2013. Both would be low risk/ high reward options as I've stated before. If those both fell through, I would pay whatever cost for Heath Bell. Bell is a work horse that gives absolutely everything he has every night, very similar to Papelbon. There are a lot of options out there this year, and it will be a very exciting winter in the closers market. We just have to cross our fingers and hope that the Sox will be willing to make a splash.