Red Sox - Inside Pitch

After an All-World April that saw Jonathan Papelbon convert all nine of his save opportunities, the Red Sox closer is on pace for his best season yet and a career-best 48 saves.

The increased production on the mound doesn’t come without its own consequences, however, as Papelbon is also on pace to pitch in 71 games and total 76 innings—a pair of stats that would obliterate his career highs in both categories.

The Sox coaching staff seemed to incorporate a sort of “Pap Rules” when it came to their right-handed fireman last season, but -– through both a dire need and a conscious decision to take the wraps off a bit -– the 27-year-old seems to be free of all constraints this season.

Papelbon has regularly been asked to record more than three outs this season, but he has only pitched on back-to-back days once.

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound smoke-thrower has a glittering 1.65 ERA through his first 15 games of 2008 to go along with 10 saves and 21 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings, and he feels strong enough to keep up with his increased workload.

“With the combination of the things I’ve learned the first three years, I’m starting to learn what it takes and what it doesn’t take—and how to throttle that gas pedal,” Papelbon said. “It’s been a huge difference-maker in my game, and it lets me be successful daily.”

There are two serious and realistic concerns with Papelbon’s workload, though -– no matter what level his throttle happens to be at on a particular day. The excess innings and stress could lead to an injury to Papelbon’s golden right arm, and there remain real worries that the Sox closer won’t be fresh in September unless another power arm can step up and lighten the burden on Mr. Riverdance.

As you might expect, Papelbon is full speed ahead without any noticeable worry.

“The inning and how much I’m throwing … I don’t let that dictate what I’m going to do. It all boils down to experience,” said Papelbon. “The eighth- and ninth-inning stints … it all boils down to experience and what you’re accustomed to doing.”

Red Sox 5, Tigers 0: Right-hander Tim Wakefield gave up only two hits through eight shutout innings, and David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez hit back-to-back home runs in Boston’s fifth consecutive win. Wakefield didn’t walk a batter, and he whiffed six Tigers in his best start of the season.

Notes, Quotes

• RHP Curt Schilling threw 25 pitches from 60 feet Tuesday in his first throwing session since January, and Red Sox manager Terry Francona reported that the veteran felt good after the short session on flat ground. Schilling will repeat the throwing session Thursday, and he described feeling as “if this is a climb of a mountain, I’m still at the base of that mountain” as he attempts to work his way back to the big leagues following a shoulder/biceps problem.

• RHP Mike Timlin made his 1,022nd major league appearance Tuesday night, which ties him with RHP Jose Mesa and RHP Lee Smith for ninth on the all-time list. The veteran pitched a scoreless ninth inning, which marks the sixth game in 11 appearances that Timlin hasn’t surrendered a run. Timlin also ranks second in Red Sox history in relief appearances (357), trailing only Bob Stanley (552).

• RHP Jonathan Papelbon focused on improving his command this spring, and the results have been spectacular over the first month-plus of the season. Papelbon has walked only one batter in 16 1/3 innings thus far in the 2008 season, and he has cut down on both his pitches per plate appearance and pitches per inning. The improved control has given Papelbon an amazing 21:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio this season, and it has allowed the 27-year-old to further minimize his workload during an appearance.

• OF Jacoby Ellsbury leads the Red Sox with 25 runs this season, and he is one of five Red Sox players who have scored at least 20 runs this season. Prior to Tuesday night’s game, no other American League team had more than two players with 20 runs scored on their team. The Sox lead the AL with 171 runs through their first 35 games this season.

• RHP Julian Tavarez hasn’t pitched in a game since April 24 and has been used very erratically out of the Sox bullpen since the start of the season. Tavarez has been mentioned several times in trade rumors with the Colorado Rockies over the past two seasons, and rumors are again cropping up that the Sox and Rox are talking about the spot starter/long reliever.

By The Numbers: 84.4—Stolen-base success rate percentage of OF Coco Crisp during his career with the Red Sox, which ranks highest in club history of any player with at least 50 steal attempts.

Quote To Note: “I told Manny, ‘You’re the closest thing to Yogi Berra in the modern era that we have.’ Manny looked at me and said, ‘What do you mean?’ I said, ‘When I hear you talk, every player knows exactly what you mean, but you say it in a manner that’s unique to you.”—Player agent Scott Boras, talking to the Boston Globe about a conversation between himself and OF Manny Ramirez.

Roster Report

Medical Watch:

OF Brandon Moss (appendectomy) went on the disabled list retroactive to May 3 after emergency surgery. If all goes well, he could begin a rehab stint May 15.

1B Sean Casey (strained right hip flexor) went on the 15-day disabled list April 26.

RHP Curt Schilling (right shoulder) began experiencing discomfort during the offseason, and he opened the season on the 60-day disabled list as he undergoes a muscle-strengthening program. He began throwing in mid-May but said he had a long way to go before he’d be ready to return to action.

INF Alex Cora (sore right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 10.