There’s a great article over on NESN.com breaking down Papelbon’s numbers so far this season. While Michael Hurley does a great job analyzing the stats, my take is a little different.

Papelbon just loves the drama. I usually have the game on in the background, but when Pap comes out to pitch the game gets my full attention. I love watching the guy. He’s intense, and I’m convinced, partly crazy. I really believe he settles in and pitches better when there is more on the line.

In last night’s game against Oakland, he gave up a run, and struggled through 30 pitches before getting the save. The bulldog stare down from the mound is apparently not as intimidating as it once was.

Hurley goes on to point out his strike out totals are lower, and his walks and pick off attempts are higher. To which I say: SCOREBOARD. Pap is 22 for 24. The assertion that Pap is not as good as he used to be doesn’t take into consideration that he’s been pitching in baseball’s toughest division for 3 seasons prior to this. The book is out on him. Batters have been seeing his stuff since 2006.

There is no doubt that he is not the intimidating monster he was in previous seasons. Every time he comes out of the bullpen my heart beats a little faster. And his inning usually goes something like this:

First batter: pop up or strikes out.

Second batter: Walk.

Third batter: Single.

Fourth batter: Walk.

How many times have we seen Pap close out a game with one or two runners in scoring position? It’s like once he realizes the hole he has dug himself, the dominant, pissed off Pap comes out and strikes out the next two batters with the heat.

We’ll see how he fares the rest of the season. I have every confidence in him, and there isn’t anyone I’d rather have close for us.