Is Papelbon the closer for good now?

[DirtyKash]

Is he? Or is Francona just messing with us again...

[Kingdom]

Boston and New York enjoy playing mind games with everyone. Assholes.

[Dry1313]

No, they're waiting on Foulke. I read up on this on CBS Sportsline. They are keeping the spot for Foulke right now because they owe him an insane amount of money and they want to use Papelbon as a starter soon. Also, Craig Hansen is their closer of the future, not one of their future ace starters. Just a temporary replacement.

[DirtyKash]

Jesus Christ! I want to stab Francona in the face. Papelbon is having so much success, just keep him there! Why mess with a good thing, geez. Save us fantasy guys so much headache too.

[Fishercat]

I'm not convinced that he won't stick with Papelbon until he fails with the success so far. Foulke just wants to pitch, they have five other starting pitchers, Papelbon's doing well...

[BoSox34]

I believe Francona will stick with Papelbon as long as he remains consistant. I think he is just saying different things to keep Foulke's morale up and hope that they can eventually get some positive production of him when he's ready.

[Kingdom]

I picked him up in my league, hopefully he carries on the hot streak.

[Providence A's]

if this is more than a temporary move, then it's not too bright if they want Papelbon to start because he's not going to get the needed innings closing

[MarinersFan87]

I think he stays there until Foulke is 100% or Hansen is ready to be a full time closer in a playoff run. Both are unlikely, I'd say he is probably the closer throughout the year, moves to the rotation at the beginning of next year, when Hansen should be ready.

[Fishercat]

Well, Foulke pitched the 8th and 9th in a game that was well out of reach until the Jays pen blew a lot of lead and Ryan had to close the door, so Papelbon should be safe for a while