I'm going to remain cautiously optimistic for a couple reasons.
- The type of season Papelbon had last year, (and B.J.Ryan for that matter...and the Eck way back when) are nigh un-replicable. Let's remember that Mo of the Evils has been the only closer in any kind of recent memory to enjoy a prolonged run of significant success. Possible apologies to Billy Wagner.
- What happened to all those doctors' opinions in August/September/October/November/etc.? Changed their minds? New tests? Within the first few days?
- Lester is the likely candidate to take Papelbon's spot in the rotation, and while I love the guy and still think he has a ceiling as a good #2/borderline #1, he's gotta refine his control. Half a season at AAA might've done him some good.
- If not Lester, then most likely Joel Pineiro. Oy.
- If not Pineiro, then any number of options with pros and cons exist. Not sure Tavarez could be more than a 5-6 with very occasional 7-inning starts, though I'd love to watch him give it a shot.
Update [2007-2-20 14:57:17 by Allen Chace]:The Globe may be f-ing with us.