Full Version: Josh Papelbon
Josh Papelbon, drafted by the Red Sox in the 48th round in the June amateur draft, made his pro debut tonight for the Lowell Spinners: 2 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 BBs, 3 Ks.
Pssh that's it, bring him up NOW. 
QUOTE(Harry Bobbin Manass @ Jun 22 2006, 07:18 PM) [snapback]540748[/snapback]
Josh Papelbon, drafted by the Red Sox in the 48th round in the June amateur draft, made his pro debut tonight for the Lowell Spinners: 2 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 BBs, 3 Ks.
Proof that scouting reports ("He couldn't be more different from his brother") and stats ("Don't even bother trying to touch this pitch, because you can't touch this pitch") do not always tell the same story.
Maybe the Sox should run down to the corner "Papelbon Zygotes R Us" store and buy out the whole inventory.
Carmine Frongillo, Lowell Sun - Oh, brother, Papelbon makes impressive professional debut
LOWELL -- It's not often that the star closer on the big league club wishes a rookie pitcher fresh out of college well on the stadium video message board while he's warming up for his professional minor league debut.
Then again, Joshua Papelbon is not your typical Boston Red Sox farm hand. His older brother, Jonathan, has become one of the true leading men in Red Sox Nation, a dominating force out of the bullpen. The Fenway Faithful have come to expect great things from Jonathan Papelbon on a regular basis, and he has consistently delivered. When he talks people listen, especially younger brother, Joshua.
Jonathan's journey to The Show began at LeLacheur Park. Now Joshua gets to follow in big brother's footsteps.
And based on first impressions, Joshua not only has Jonathan's makeup, he has some pretty nasty stuff in his repertoire of pitches, which are delivered to the plate in a submarine motion.
Joshua Papelbon retired all six batters he faced, recording three strikeouts, while closing out the Lowell Spinners' 9-3 victory over the Vermont Lake Monsters before the usual SRO crowd of 5,000 at LeLacheur Park last night.
...
Pap really handled himself well," said Spinner manager Bruce Crabbe. "I think his brother rubs off on him a little bit. I think he knows a little bit what to expect from this type of scenario. I think he has a little head start on these kids. His baseball savvy makes a big difference."
..
Joshua, who turns 23 tomorrow, is eager to break into pro ball in Lowell, just as Jonathan, 25, a fourth round selection out of Mississippi State did in 2003. During the summer of 2003, Jonathan Papelbon was 1-2 with a 6.34 ERA for the Spinners.
"Pitching here makes it easier for me, especially playing in front of all these fans because they motivate me more than anybody" said Joshua Papelbon. "I can say that Jonathan motivates me. My twin brother motivates me. But these fans motivate me the most. They make me want to get out there and strike everybody out. You want to do the best for them."
Papelbon took the mound in the top of the eighth. And he certainly didn't appear to be nervous. He struck out the first batter he faced.
"I actually did see (Jonathan's video message), but I was trying not to listen to it," said Joshua. "I talked to him today. I didn't listen because I was trying to get focused and listening to what he had to say might make me laugh. I wanted to get focused in and pound the zone.
"I had everything working for me tonight. I felt great. My fastball had a lot of movement on it. My slider was working well."
"He blocked everything out and just pitched," said Exposito, the Spinners' catcher. "He did what he has to do. I wasn't worried about him. I knew he was ready."
"He knows what he can do with that type of motion," added Crabbe. " It's new for a lot of these kids seeing that type of motion. He really comes from way under. I didn't think he threw from that low. He does a nice job with what he brings to the table. He seems to have pretty good command of what he's doing."
LOWELL -- It's not often that the star closer on the big league club wishes a rookie pitcher fresh out of college well on the stadium video message board while he's warming up for his professional minor league debut.
Then again, Joshua Papelbon is not your typical Boston Red Sox farm hand. His older brother, Jonathan, has become one of the true leading men in Red Sox Nation, a dominating force out of the bullpen. The Fenway Faithful have come to expect great things from Jonathan Papelbon on a regular basis, and he has consistently delivered. When he talks people listen, especially younger brother, Joshua.
Jonathan's journey to The Show began at LeLacheur Park. Now Joshua gets to follow in big brother's footsteps.
And based on first impressions, Joshua not only has Jonathan's makeup, he has some pretty nasty stuff in his repertoire of pitches, which are delivered to the plate in a submarine motion.
Joshua Papelbon retired all six batters he faced, recording three strikeouts, while closing out the Lowell Spinners' 9-3 victory over the Vermont Lake Monsters before the usual SRO crowd of 5,000 at LeLacheur Park last night.
...
Pap really handled himself well," said Spinner manager Bruce Crabbe. "I think his brother rubs off on him a little bit. I think he knows a little bit what to expect from this type of scenario. I think he has a little head start on these kids. His baseball savvy makes a big difference."
..
Joshua, who turns 23 tomorrow, is eager to break into pro ball in Lowell, just as Jonathan, 25, a fourth round selection out of Mississippi State did in 2003. During the summer of 2003, Jonathan Papelbon was 1-2 with a 6.34 ERA for the Spinners.
"Pitching here makes it easier for me, especially playing in front of all these fans because they motivate me more than anybody" said Joshua Papelbon. "I can say that Jonathan motivates me. My twin brother motivates me. But these fans motivate me the most. They make me want to get out there and strike everybody out. You want to do the best for them."
Papelbon took the mound in the top of the eighth. And he certainly didn't appear to be nervous. He struck out the first batter he faced.
"I actually did see (Jonathan's video message), but I was trying not to listen to it," said Joshua. "I talked to him today. I didn't listen because I was trying to get focused and listening to what he had to say might make me laugh. I wanted to get focused in and pound the zone.
"I had everything working for me tonight. I felt great. My fastball had a lot of movement on it. My slider was working well."
"He blocked everything out and just pitched," said Exposito, the Spinners' catcher. "He did what he has to do. I wasn't worried about him. I knew he was ready."
"He knows what he can do with that type of motion," added Crabbe. " It's new for a lot of these kids seeing that type of motion. He really comes from way under. I didn't think he threw from that low. He does a nice job with what he brings to the table. He seems to have pretty good command of what he's doing."
Four scoreless innings so far for Little Papelbon down at Lowell. He's allowed 1 hit and struck out 5.
Josh got his first professional save last night against the Tri-City ValleyCats:
From the Lowell Sun:
For Engel, a perfect game
Josh Papelbon, the younger brother of Red Sox All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon, pitched the ninth to register his first professional save.
From the Lowell Sun:
For Engel, a perfect game
Josh Papelbon, the younger brother of Red Sox All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon, pitched the ninth to register his first professional save.
Papelbon has still not allowed an earned run for Lowell in 11.1 IP. He's given up 8 hits, walked 1 and struck out 12. He has 3 saves.
QUOTE(Harry Bobbin Manass @ Jul 20 2006, 06:08 PM) [snapback]555215[/snapback]
Papelbon has still not allowed an earned run for Lowell in 11.1 IP. He's given up 8 hits, walked 1 and struck out 12. He has 3 saves.
A WALK!?! Sheesh.
He's no Papelbon.
QUOTE(Sox Sweep Again @ Jul 20 2006, 06:13 PM) [snapback]555219[/snapback]
A WALK!?! Sheesh.
He's no Papelbon.
Ohhh Snap-elbon!
From the July 28 Lowell Sun:
Barry Scanlon - A closing act from Papelbon
Big brother was watching. And little brother knew it.
"I didn't want to look up there," said Joshua Papelbon, aware that his older and more famous brother, Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, was watching from the comfort of LeLacheur Park's press box. "Once I get into a game it's kind of like I'm zoned in."
Joshua Papelbon, he of the ground-scraping delivery and 0.00 earned run average, made his brother proud by throwing 10 of 11 pitches for strikes during a 1-2-3 ninth inning which protected a 4-3 victory for the Lowell Spinners over the Aberdeen IronBirds last night.
"I wanted to impress him," Joshua said after recording his fifth save for the 18-17 Spinners. "I hadn't pitched a lot recently so I felt fresh. Being able to locate the fastball in and out has really been key."
...
Jonathan Papelbon, making his first appearance at LeLacheur since pitching for the Spinners in 2003, was enjoying a rare off day and decided to take in a Spinners game in the hopes that his brother would get the late call from the bullpen.
"I thought he located his fastball real well," Jonathan Papelbon said. "He went out there and threw strikes."
Barry Scanlon - A closing act from Papelbon
Big brother was watching. And little brother knew it.
"I didn't want to look up there," said Joshua Papelbon, aware that his older and more famous brother, Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, was watching from the comfort of LeLacheur Park's press box. "Once I get into a game it's kind of like I'm zoned in."
Joshua Papelbon, he of the ground-scraping delivery and 0.00 earned run average, made his brother proud by throwing 10 of 11 pitches for strikes during a 1-2-3 ninth inning which protected a 4-3 victory for the Lowell Spinners over the Aberdeen IronBirds last night.
"I wanted to impress him," Joshua said after recording his fifth save for the 18-17 Spinners. "I hadn't pitched a lot recently so I felt fresh. Being able to locate the fastball in and out has really been key."
...
Jonathan Papelbon, making his first appearance at LeLacheur since pitching for the Spinners in 2003, was enjoying a rare off day and decided to take in a Spinners game in the hopes that his brother would get the late call from the bullpen.
"I thought he located his fastball real well," Jonathan Papelbon said. "He went out there and threw strikes."
I saw the Spinners play at Vermont a few days ago when Josh gave up his first runs and blew a three-run lead in the bottom of the ninth. He throws underhanded with pretty good control, but he doesn't blow people away. I suspect his initial success was the result of the funky delivery, but as hitters see more of him, they get used to it.
QUOTE(LostinNJ @ Aug 4 2006, 04:57 PM) [snapback]565130[/snapback]
I saw the Spinners play at Vermont a few days ago when Josh gave up his first runs and blew a three-run lead in the bottom of the ninth. He throws underhanded with pretty good control, but he doesn't blow people away. I suspect his initial success was the result of the funky delivery, but as hitters see more of him, they get used to it.
That pretty much sums up why he was a 48th-round draft pick.
From the Augsut 28 Pawtucket Times:
Brendan McGair - His name is Josh Papelbon
The task of following in the shadow created by Josh's older brother cannot be easy. Jonathan Papelbon's popularity is right up there with David Ortiz and Curt Schilling, an argument supported by the numerous No. 58 jerseys and T-shirts that fill Yawkey Way on gameday.
When Josh touched down in Single-A Lowell, he had a small inkling with regard to how his first summer in pro ball would play out. His introduction to the Land of Baseball 24-7-365 occurred last year when he visited Jonathan on a couple occasions.
Never, however, in his wildest dreams did Josh imagine the amount of attention, both from fans and media types, he would generate - all because of who he shares a last name with.
"I can't even describe it. I didn't know how big [Jonathan] was till I got up here. It seems that he rules Boston," said Josh, moments after Lowell took part in the "Futures at Fenway" extravaganza Saturday afternoon.
...
On Saturday, Josh displayed the same cool-under-pressure trait that's a must for a closer to enjoy success. Once his name flashed on the center field scoreboard, a thunderous cheer rang down from the Fenway masses.
Josh entered the game with Lowell protecting a 3-1 lead against the Oneonta Tigers. It didn't sink in that he was toeing the same rubber as his All-Star brother Jonathan until afterwards. For Josh, he was dialed in, concerned with only the task at hand.
After recording the first two outs, Josh zipped in two quick strikes to Oneonta's Joseph Tucker. If you've been to Fenway, then you know what happens when the home team is one strike away. The crowd rises to its feet in unison, screaming at the top of their lungs for that final exclamation point.
Josh didn't disappoint. Tucker stayed alive by fouling a heater back to the screen, but in true Papelbon fashion, Josh got the outfielder to bite at a slider. Yes, the same out pitch Jonathan uses to mow down batters is also employed by his 23-year-old sibling.
Brendan McGair - His name is Josh Papelbon
The task of following in the shadow created by Josh's older brother cannot be easy. Jonathan Papelbon's popularity is right up there with David Ortiz and Curt Schilling, an argument supported by the numerous No. 58 jerseys and T-shirts that fill Yawkey Way on gameday.
When Josh touched down in Single-A Lowell, he had a small inkling with regard to how his first summer in pro ball would play out. His introduction to the Land of Baseball 24-7-365 occurred last year when he visited Jonathan on a couple occasions.
Never, however, in his wildest dreams did Josh imagine the amount of attention, both from fans and media types, he would generate - all because of who he shares a last name with.
"I can't even describe it. I didn't know how big [Jonathan] was till I got up here. It seems that he rules Boston," said Josh, moments after Lowell took part in the "Futures at Fenway" extravaganza Saturday afternoon.
...
On Saturday, Josh displayed the same cool-under-pressure trait that's a must for a closer to enjoy success. Once his name flashed on the center field scoreboard, a thunderous cheer rang down from the Fenway masses.
Josh entered the game with Lowell protecting a 3-1 lead against the Oneonta Tigers. It didn't sink in that he was toeing the same rubber as his All-Star brother Jonathan until afterwards. For Josh, he was dialed in, concerned with only the task at hand.
After recording the first two outs, Josh zipped in two quick strikes to Oneonta's Joseph Tucker. If you've been to Fenway, then you know what happens when the home team is one strike away. The crowd rises to its feet in unison, screaming at the top of their lungs for that final exclamation point.
Josh didn't disappoint. Tucker stayed alive by fouling a heater back to the screen, but in true Papelbon fashion, Josh got the outfielder to bite at a slider. Yes, the same out pitch Jonathan uses to mow down batters is also employed by his 23-year-old sibling.
Papelbon's final numbers at Lowell:
[codebox]W L ERA G SV IP H R ER HR BB SO
0 2 1.86 25 13 29.0 22 12 6 0 6 36[/codebox]
Batters hit .195 against him.
[codebox]W L ERA G SV IP H R ER HR BB SO
0 2 1.86 25 13 29.0 22 12 6 0 6 36[/codebox]
Batters hit .195 against him.
Good god. I love those stats. Pretty damned good for someone who was supposedly only picked as a favor.
Papelbon is working as the closer for the Low-A Greenville Drive to start the year. He's yet to allow a run in 4 appearances, covering 4 IP. He's had 1 K and allowed 5 hits and a BB.
Papelbon has 4 saves on the young season for Greenville. He's posted a 2.89 ERA and has an 8/1 K/BB total in 9.1 IP.
From the May 18 Greenville Drive:
Bart Wright - Papelbon rising from down under
"He believes in himself," Kapler said of the younger brother of Boston pitcher Jonathan Papelbon and the twin of Cubs pitcher Jeremy Papelbon. "He wants the ball every day, he has the approach that he can't pitch enough and he's ready and willing to be sent out there at some point in every game."
For a manager, it's the approach you want to see in every player.
"He believes in himself so much it translates into strikes when he's out on the mound," Kapler said. "It could be entertainment, design, business, whatever, the most successful people always think they're the right ones for the job, even when everybody else doubts them."
That seems to be the case for Papelbon, who had seven saves in as many save opportunities as of Thursday, not bad for a team that was just 14-24 prior to last night's game, much less for a pitcher whose fastball rarely hits more than 85 mph.
Bart Wright - Papelbon rising from down under
"He believes in himself," Kapler said of the younger brother of Boston pitcher Jonathan Papelbon and the twin of Cubs pitcher Jeremy Papelbon. "He wants the ball every day, he has the approach that he can't pitch enough and he's ready and willing to be sent out there at some point in every game."
For a manager, it's the approach you want to see in every player.
"He believes in himself so much it translates into strikes when he's out on the mound," Kapler said. "It could be entertainment, design, business, whatever, the most successful people always think they're the right ones for the job, even when everybody else doubts them."
That seems to be the case for Papelbon, who had seven saves in as many save opportunities as of Thursday, not bad for a team that was just 14-24 prior to last night's game, much less for a pitcher whose fastball rarely hits more than 85 mph.
Josh Papelbon featured on MLB.com this week; UNF's all-time saves leader interviewed on Sights and Sounds
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Former University of North Florida reliever Josh Papelbon is featured on MLB.com this week in Sights and Sounds. The interview can be accessed by clicking here.
Papelbon, UNF's career leader in saves, was drafted in 2006 by the Boston Red Sox in the 48th round of the MLB Draft. In the interview, he talks about his family and being in the same organization as his brother, Jonathan, who is Boston's closer and is sixth in the American League with 11 saves.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Former University of North Florida reliever Josh Papelbon is featured on MLB.com this week in Sights and Sounds. The interview can be accessed by clicking here.
Papelbon, UNF's career leader in saves, was drafted in 2006 by the Boston Red Sox in the 48th round of the MLB Draft. In the interview, he talks about his family and being in the same organization as his brother, Jonathan, who is Boston's closer and is sixth in the American League with 11 saves.
Little Papelbon continues to get the job done as Greenville's closer. He hasn't been striking too many people out (17 in 24.2 IP), but he's been getting a lot of ground balls (2.69 GO/AO ratio) and has yet to allow a HR. His ERA for the year is down to 1.09 as he's thrown 12.1 scoreless innings so far in May.
Little Papelbon blew his 2nd save of the year (first loss, 2-1) yesterday. He may have gotten distracted as the first base runner reached after the ball hit his glove and after the game he argued it should have been an E and not a H. Still, he's got a WHIP of 1.18, K/9 of 6.3, K/BB of 3.1 and an ERA of 1.67 over 27 innings in 21 appearances, with 8 saves. Those are pretty decent numbers for a 48th rounder at this stage of development.
Josh made the Sally League All Star Team...
Engel an all-star
Drive closer Joshua Papelbon also is on the Southern Division roster for the game played against a team of players from the Northern Division. He has a 2-4 record, a 3.03 earned-run average and 11 saves in 14 opportunities.
Engel an all-star
Drive closer Joshua Papelbon also is on the Southern Division roster for the game played against a team of players from the Northern Division. He has a 2-4 record, a 3.03 earned-run average and 11 saves in 14 opportunities.
Josh had a bit of an implosion last night...
Willie T. Smith III, Greenville News - Drive implode in the ninth; Kannapolis scores six runs off closer Papelbon
In the ninth, Greenville manager Gabe Kapler called on Joshua Papebon (5-6), who is second in the South Atlantic League in saves. Before he exited, Hickory had scored six earned runs on five hits, with only one out.
Willie T. Smith III, Greenville News - Drive implode in the ninth; Kannapolis scores six runs off closer Papelbon
In the ninth, Greenville manager Gabe Kapler called on Joshua Papebon (5-6), who is second in the South Atlantic League in saves. Before he exited, Hickory had scored six earned runs on five hits, with only one out.
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