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“FENWAY'S BEST PLAYERS”  |
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Jonathan Papelbon spent three years in college, pitching out of the bullpen for Mississippi State. He was a fourth round selection in the 2004 amateur draft after compiling a 2.90 ERA and 13 saves and signing with the Red Sox. He brought an explosive mid-90s fastball that would single-handedly carry him through most of his minor league career and began his pro career in 2003 as a member of the Lowell Spinners. His first full season took place in 2004 with the Sarasota Red Sox of the advanced A-ball Florida State League. In 2005, Jonathan began the season in AA with the Portland Sea Dogs, a team that included the Dustin Pedroia, Jon Lester, and Hanley Ramirez. Shortly after, he was promoted to AAA Pawtucket, and was called upon to make a spot start for the Red Sox, making his debut in July. "Paps" held the Minnesota Twins to two earned runs, while striking out seven and making a positive first impression. He rejoined the Red Sox in August, making two more starts before moving back into a relief role and finished with a 2.65 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 34 innings, adding four scoreless innings in the playoffs. Earning a permanent spot, "Paps" became the Sox full-time closer in 2006. He had one of the most dominant seasons ever for a rookie reliever, saving 35 games, striking out 75 batters in 68 innings, and holding opposing batters to a .167 batting average including a 0.92 ERA. He finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting and made his first All-Star game. In 2007, when he was great again with 37 saves and 84 strikeouts. His shining moment happened in the playoffs, where he shut down all the competition, and recorded the Sox final out in the World Series. In 2008, his 0.930 WHIP was the lowest in major league history and
the following season he passed Bob Stanley to become Red Sox all-time leader
in saves.
In 2010, his productivity decreased, but it improved in 2011, when he recorded 31 saves in 34 opportunities. Jonathan blew just three saves all season long, but two occurred during the final month of the season, including the final game of the regular season. He then became a free agent and signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for 2012.
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