During spring training in 2008, while I was emceeing Mike Lowell’s Dancing with the Stars charitable dinner, Papelbon had some fun by putting women’s clothing on me. Papelbon also has been known to spark some debate with his words. Papelbon sometimes might speak without thinking things through completely, but he is honest. That’s uncommon today.
Jonathan Papelbon is one of the few athletes who isn't afraid to speak his mind, yet his quotes always seem to stir up some controversy and get him into trouble. Do you think Papelbon talks too much, or does he get treated unfairly for just offering his opinion?
–Paul, Dorchester, Mass.
We have talked about how quiet and professional this edition of the Red Sox is. There are a few who step outside that description, and Jonathan falls into that category. I find him to be refreshing and out of the norm of what the Red Sox clubhouse has morphed into. I think there are occasions where he speaks first and may regret some of the things he says later. That said, he is generally honest and unfiltered. I think some of the things that make him colorful are some of the traits you need to be an effective closer — such as the ability to forget a bad outing or stretch and succeed in the highest of pressure situations.
The offense is picking up for the Red Sox. That's a very good sign. Who or what has sparked the bats the most?
–Paul, Farmington, Conn.
I believe the structure of the lineup has dramatically changed with the addition of Victor Martinez. The lineup now stretches out, and a guy as talented as J.D. Drew can hit eighth. There is no question when Martinez catches, the Red Sox are able to have all their offensive weapons in the lineup all at once with Kevin Youkilis, Lowell and David Ortiz. It is sort of back to when Manny Ramirez was in the middle of the lineup. The other guys slide down, and it extends greatly. There are virtually no outs in the lineup with the exception of the No. 9 hitter.
John Smoltz goes to the Cardinals and looks untouchable. Granted, it was against the last-place Padres, but still, he looked like a different pitcher than he did with the Red Sox. Is it the American League tougher than the National League, or is it possible that Smoltz was tipping his pitches with the Sox?
–Robert, Cambridge, Mass.
I would hesitate to get too upset about his outing against the San Diego Padres’ offense. I watched a lot of it, and his slider was very good, and yes, he had a great many strikeouts (9). I think, given time, he may have improved in Boston. The difference is the Red Sox did not have time for him to figure it out. The AL and the AL East is a different animal than what he saw in San Diego. I am not surprised he did not retire. It would be tough as a future Hall of Famer to walk away after his last outing in New York and have the taste of failing with an organization fresh in his mouth.
The tipping the pitches part is interesting. He recently said the Cardinals helped him identify that he was, and he made a correction. We will see as time moves on and his opponents improve.
The Red Sox' starting staff is struggling a bit, but it looks like reinforcements could be on the way with Daisuke Matsuzaka and Tim Wakefield. They could be huge additions down the stretch if they can deliver quality starts. Do you see them being difference-makers in September?
–Miguel, Los Angeles
I do believe they will be huge — especially the innings I would suspect that Tim Wakefield can eat up. I said earlier this season and stand by the fact that Tim Wakefield going on the DL was underrated. How many times has he given the bullpen a night off or limited duty. Good or bad some nights, Wakefield can figure it out and still provide innings.
On the other front, my hope is that Daisuke Matsuzaka can come back stronger and be more effective and give the Red Sox more, innings-wise, than we are used to. This new conditioning structure could be the difference. The other question is will he be willing try to throw more strikes and change his philosophy? That remains to be seen.
I remind myself often that he won 18 games last year and lost only three. How he did it, I’m not sure, based on all the baserunners and not going very deep into games, but he did do it, and his addition to me will be a welcome sight.
