I’ve had some time to think about this mind-blowing, record-setting closer deal that the Phillies signed Jonathan Papelbon to. Now don’t get me wrong, I completely understand why they bailed on Madson’s alleged 4-yr, $44 million deal in favor of this 4-yr, $50 million with a vesting 5th year option for Papelbon. Just look at the track records. Papelbon has been closing for 6 years, and has logged 30 or more saves in each season, posting a career ERA of 2.33 and career WHIP of 1.02. Not too shabby for a guy Sox fans have always felt “likes to make things interesting” before shutting the door down. Madson, while very good this season, only has one full season of closing experience (two part time seasons as well), and his numbers this year compare to Papelbon’s career numbers (2.37 ERA and 1.15 WHIP), but if that’s the case, wouldn’t you pay the extra $6 million to get the guy with a much higher sample size? You get a better indication of Papelbon’s future performance based on hi...
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