2007[edit]
On October 11, 2007, Papelbon was named the 2007 winner of the "DHL Presents the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Year Award."[8] Papelbon garnered 39,043 votes out of almost 125,000 votes cast.[17]
In Game 2 of the World Series, Papelbon was brought in with the bases empty and two outs in the eight with the Red Sox leading 2–1 to face Rockies hitter, Matt Holliday. Papelbon gave up a single to Holliday before picking him off to end the inning. Papelbon pitched a one-two-three ninth for the save. In Game 4, he entered in the eighth inning to shut down the Rockies' comeback, and pitched until the ninth inning where he threw the game-winning strikeout for the Red Sox as they clinched the 2007 championship.[18] He and catcher Jason Varitek then collided in a victory jump.[18]
2008[edit]
On March 6, 2008, Papelbon agreed to terms with the Red Sox for $775,000. Papelbon's deal set the record for the largest contract for a closer not eligible for salary arbitration, topping Mariano Rivera's previous record by $25,000. Boston was under no obligation to pay Papelbon more than the league minimum of $390,000.[19] On January 20, 2009, Papelbon agreed to a one-year $6.25 million contract with the Red Sox, avoiding arbitration. This is the largest contract for a closer in his first year of arbitration eligibility.[20] Papelbon recorded his 100th career save on July 13, 2008.[21] Among pitchers who have thrown at least 200 innings, Jonathan Papelbon's 0.930 WHIPthrough 2008 is the lowest in major league history.[22]
2009[edit]
Papelbon criticized former teammate Manny Ramirez in the April 2009 issue of Esquire magazine, citing his selfishness and incapability of working with his teammates.[23][24]
On June 29, 2009, Papelbon gained his 132nd save, in a 4–0 shut out against the Baltimore Orioles, tying Bob Stanley's record for most saves by a Red Sox pitcher. On July 1, Papelbon recorded his 133rd save with the Red Sox, setting a new franchise record. On July 5, 2009, Jonathan was selected to represent Boston at the 2009 All-Star Game.
Papelbon has been cited repeatedly for his slow play; on September 4, 2009 it was reported that he had been fined $5,000 for failing to deliver his first pitch within the required time in a September 1 appearance. Papelbon told the Boston Herald that he had been cited on at least five occasions and fined more than $10,000 for these violations. Papelbon jokingly added, "I think they're going to call my parole officer and put me away."[25]
In Game 3 of the 2009 ALDS, with Boston down two games to none, Papelbon blew the save and Boston was swept. He allowed four hits and three runs; all of the runs scored with two outs.[26] His difficulties continued into the next season.
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