12eight

Something has to be said about the job of Jonathan Papelbon last night.  I try to remain reserved about prospects; as exciting as any of them might be, they could flame-out at any moment.  But this kid... is something truly special.  Think about him for a moment.  Think about his major league career.  Can you think of anyone (other than K-Rod) whose first ML experience was forged in the kind of fire that Papelbon's has been?  His first start, captured here for posterity, was a key game vs. the Minnesota Twins, at the trade deadline, during possibly the most insane, soap-operaish week in Red Sox history.  He made two more starts in the heat of an August pennant race, and has since served as a key bullpen arm.  In recent weeks he has emerged as the Sox top setup, a bridge to Mike Timlin.

But last night?  Last night was the emergence of a star.  Last night, Jonathan Papelbon pitched 2 2/3 innings in quite possibly the biggest Sox win of the season - possibly saving the season - and did so brilliantly, striking out one, walking none, and allowing two hits.  What's more than that, though, was his demeanor; his steely composure.  I hate talking like that about ballplayers, but Papelbon deserves exactly that level of praise.  And he got it from his teammates, from seasoned veterans who should more be toturing rookies than lauding accolades upon them.  Kevin Millar, Jason Varitek, David Ortiz all, in their postgame interviews, made sure to single him out as deserving of their highest praise of the evening.

When he first came up, I was thrilled, getting to see a kid who I thought would be an important part of the 2006 Red Sox get his first taste.  Well, I was somewhat wrong; Papelbon has become an integral, trusted, and loved member of this year's club, and his time here in years to come looks very very bright.