Papelbon strikes out 3 in a row for the save

Jonathan Papelbon felt good going into the 9th inning to shutdown the Rays, however it didn't go his way. He walked Iwamura to start the inning, and then promptly allowed him to get to 2B on a throwing error. Bartlett then singled to center, but Iwamura held at 2B to make sure it wasn't caught and they held him up at 3rd base.

Papelbon then struck out Carlso Pena, B.J. Upton, and Carl Crawford to lock up the game. He looked absolutely dominating against the last three batters throwing all fastballs and topping out at 97 MPH.

Papelbon said he had to go into "punchout mode", and he certainly did. Tonight showed us that he is clearly the best closer in baseball. At least for now.

If you are a Papelbon owner, the 2.00 WHIP tonight wasn't you wanted, but three strikeouts and a save was well worth it.

Papelbon Pitches 5 Outs To A Rocky Save

Look for Saito to close for the Red Sox if they have a save chance against the Yankees. Papelbon threw 32 pitches to get five hard earned outs for the Red Sox.

The save was rocky, but not as bad as it looks. The 8th was fine, but in cold weather he had a 20+ minute wait for the 9th. After giving up a single to Brett Gardner that the shortstop would have thrown out most runners, he then hit Derek Jeter. He then struck out Mark Texeria, walked Swisher, and then struck out Cano.

Overall it was a great performance for Papelbon, and from a fantasy perspective it was huge. However, it will cost Papelbon owners the next day for Paps.

Expect Takashi Saito to get a save opportunity. this is not official, but I know how Francona handles Papelbon and he will not pitch if the Red Sox lead in the 9th tomorrow. That is probably obvious to anyone.

So if you have Saito on your bench, put him in.

Papelbon Pitches Second Game In A Row, Saito's Turn

Papelbon came into a tie game on Friday and closed out Saturday's game in a non-save situation. That spells out a frustrating week for Papelbon owners. Overall, in week 3 Papelbon made three appearances, none of them save opportunities.

What makes this worse for Papelbon owners? Count him out on Sunday. The Red Sox will not pitch Paps three days in a row, even against the Yankees. Papelbon will not record a save this week, but if you can pick up Saito he will get the save chance on Sunday.

Also note that Papelbon threw 47 pitched over the past two days, including 30 pitches Saturday. Do not count on Papelbon for Sunday.

Saito Comes In And Saves The Red Sox Game

Takashi Saito came in to save the game for the Red Sox. Terry Francona stuck to his rules of not pitching Papelbon three game sin a row.

He faced the middle of the Orioles lineup and gave up hits against Markakis and Huff before getting the next three out. He did give up a run and recorded one strikeout.

If your league offers holds, Saito is extremely valuable. He will get the call for saves whenever Papelbon has pitched two games in a row, so have him on hold for that as well.