A disturbing take on Papelbon

Here's a tidbit that was sent my way from a Mets fan:

From Gammons (link is to another blog--I don't have the awesome insider status required to be able to read Gammons directly):

“There is no legitimate bullpen help to be acquired right now," said another AL GM. "And what we saw in Papelbon this spring is that he'd start out at 92-94 mph and gradually fall down to 88. Our people feel that he may throw so many pitches as a starter he's a five-inning guy. And the Red Sox cannot afford to blow five leads in April with Papelbon sitting out there."

Comments

[Soxy Lady]

I'm not sure this worries me too much. That was with him training as a starting pitcher - He'll throw harder as a one inning closer. The only problem is whether or not he'll be ready since he's spent to much time conditioning to be a starter. I'm just ready to get this season started!!!

[Wayne]

The problem with this is this spring Papel-bot was working on his curve and other pitches. So I am not sure that the drop off was in his fastball, but in him throwing his other pitches. Still, I would much rather have a top 5 closer over a # 4 starter any day of the week. If there is no major injuries in the pitching this is a team that can win 97+ games this year.

[Ky]

Beth, this isn't really the appropriate post for me to ask you this but holy cow, have you seen the news on Ugi?

[Sammy]

Here's my honest opinion on him being the closer. I don't like it for this reason. Awesome dominating starters - not just good,very good or near great - but the Pedro's, Schilling's, Johnson's,Clemens's, Maddux's, et al. are more important to a team than a great closer. We're all caught up in finding the next Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman, etc. and Jonathon just might be that, but I was looking forward to our rotation dominating the league this year. I just think you can find a very good closer without maybe needing the new best ever guy. Just my opinion. If we found out over a year that he truly is a five inning guy, THEN you make the switch.

[Tony]

Mike Venafro would be a great option. He posted a 0.00 ERA this spring in 10 appearances. He only had 7 hits and 6 KOs. Twins are actually the only team in baseball that have too many bullpen guys. Get Mike Venafro here.