T1B

So...
Who saw Papelbon pitch last night? Dude is relying too much on just his splitter and his fastball. Yes, he set a rookie record for most saves in a month... ever. But still... you're starting to see players adjust to his stuff. Dude better mix in a slider, curve, or change-up... soon. He's going to be a starter someday and there's even talk of stretching him out by the All-Star break and handing over the closer's spot to Hansen. He won't get out of the third inning with just the two pitches. Batters see him more than once and they make adjustments. Heck, batters are already getting to him. Wait until he has to face the Yankees. In fantasy news, I recommend trading him now, before it's too late. He'll be reduced to an average closer soon.

UCant#2 wrote:So...
Who saw Papelbon pitch last night? Dude is relying too much on just his splitter and his fastball. Yes, he set a rookie record for most saves in a month... ever. But still... you're starting to see players adjust to his stuff. Dude better mix in a slider, curve, or change-up... soon. He's going to be a starter someday and there's even talk of stretching him out by the All-Star break and handing over the closer's spot to Hansen. He won't get out of the third inning with just the two pitches. Batters see him more than once and they make adjustments. Heck, batters are already getting to him. Wait until he has to face the Yankees. In fantasy news, I recommend trading him now, before it's too late. He'll be reduced to an average closer soon.

Your not seeing him throw other stuff because he is closing. As a starter it is more important to mix up your pitches. As a closer you stick with your best stuff because it is only one inning. He does throw a slider but it is probably his third pitch. Hell Foulke throws nothing but fastballs and changeups so therefore a closer using just two pitches is nothing out of the ordinary. I think the projection of him moving to the rotation is correct however I think it should happen in the off season instead of in the middle of the year. Unless injuries force it of course.....

Papelbon has killer potential can't wait for him to get moved into the rotation The hell if the yankees sign Clemens.

setting a record for saves one must have:
1) a team that wins a bunch
2) a team that wins but not by large amounts
3) good stuff for one inning

Oh how amazing that record must be.