SIGN HIM

As Jonathon Papelbon nears free agency the multitudes of miserable human beings who call into sports radio across New England have been all to eager to show the outspoken and dimwitted closer the door. Good riddance they have said collectively and don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. The vitriol expressed by these embittered remnants of the "fellowship of the miserable" is confusing because first Papelbon, aside from a few comments here and there, hasn't really done anything egregiously wrong and second, he's pretty damn good. Most of those seeking Papelbon's departure cite the fact that Daniel Bard resides in the bullpen and they believe he can easily step in and fill Papelbon's 9th inning time slot. The reality however is, while Bard has has put together two nice little seasons, he's also thrown up a multitude of red flags that he's just not ready for the job and possibly may never be. A little aside when perusing Bard's statistics reveals that he has allowed leadoff hitters to hit .300 against him this year, though admittedly he has held the following batters to a .133 average against. Even worse, Bard's ERA is nearly three runs higher in games not played in the friendly confines of Fenway. Papelbon meanwhile, after what can only be described as a down year, has rebounded nicely and has put together another sterling campaign, compiling 20 saves by the all star break. Papelbon is on an historic pace career wise and while he'll easily demand a multi-year contract that will command somewhere north of $12 million a year he's more than worth it as he's a sure thing entering his prime. The man's been a solid, well above average closer for over six seasons winning one world series and, aside from a shoulder injury at the end of the '06 season, has proven to be extremely durable and reliable. The man may not be a mensa candidate and may be guilty of putting his foot in his mouth but he's proven he can get the job done whereas Bard will be nothing but a question mark entering the 2012 season. This is Brady versus Cassel redux, stick with the one you know.