[Lefty Noob]

The Red Sox are apparently going to shift Jonathan Papelbon back to the bullpen to act as the closer while Mike Timlin is injured. Timlin, 41, is out with a strained side muscle, but apparently that's not the only reason. As Papelbon told the AP, "I haven't been sleeping well because there's been that feeling deep down in my heart that I wanted to close." So he gets his wish. Are the Sox better off for it?

[MJHMarc]

Papelbon's fantasy value this season, if the move is successful, will sky-rocket.

[EmpireWF]

The Red Sox will definitely benefit from this. Papelbon is likely the best option they could possibly have right now for the closer spot.

They can find a vet to stick at the end of the rotation and not miss a beat.

[simple simon]

i cant help but think back to the end of last season when it seemed all he did was whine that he wanted to be a starter

of course they are better off with him in the pen.....most of the rest of the pen sucks.......and he can be lights out for an inning

[Lefty Noob]

I see why he's going back to the pen now. Timlin's injured, and I watched this kid Hansen yesterday against the Reds. Awful. Absolutely no control of his pitches. Gave up 2 hits, 2 walks, 5 runs and hit a batter in 2/3 of an inning, and even though he got a couple of strikeouts, one of them was a kid chasing some absolutely terrible pitches. And the broadcast team said the Sox wanted this kid to compete for the closers role? Not gonna happen in this lifetime, not until his control gets better.

[azrael492]

I heard that Papelbon volunteered to go to the pen this year. I surprised me too because I also remember hearing him whine about not liking it.

[MJHMarc]

Well, he wanted to be a starter.

But now, he feels that he can earn as spot in the HOF as a closer.