And He's Back!

So after all the closer talk, Papelbon will return as closer after all!?

Papelbon, despite his public declarations of embracing the role of starter, said he hasn't been able to sleep this spring because he wanted to close and finally told Francona of his desire on the field prior to Tuesday night's exhibition game.

"I walked into Tito's office and said, 'If you want to give me the ball in the ninth, I want it,'" Papelbon said today.

What about his body not handling the closing responsibilities well? Huh?! I mean, this is BY FAR the best possible outcome, but I do worry about Paps. Can his shoulder handle it? I hope so! He says his shoulder is fine (“My shoulder issue is not really an issue at this point”) and I have to trust him I guess. Of course I am happy we have Papelbon as a closer rather than Tavarez or someone equally bad...I hope he can close and be healthy for many, many years!

I'm starting to believe Manny is mentally challenged:

How is his new Japanese teammate fitting in with the team?

"Who? I don't know," Ramirez said, saying he has not yet spoken to pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka.

YEAH.