Red Sox Won't Replace Papelbon

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Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon isn't as dominant as he was two or three years ago, but Kirk Minihane of WEEI.com writes that he won't be replaced.

"Look at the numbers. He's just isn't overpowering anymore, or hasn't been for most of this season. Since he took over as closer in 2006 his worst K per nine innings ratio was 9.9 in 2006. This season? 7.7. In 2008 Papelbon averaged 9.6 strikeouts for every walk. This season? Just 2.47," Minihane writes.

"But there is zero chance -- zero -- that Terry Francona is going to install Daniel Bard as the closer and put Papelbon in the setup role."

Via WEEI.com

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