Philadelphia Phillies: Case for and against each Hall of Fame candidate
By Tim Boyle
Jonathan Papelbon is another former Phillies closer on the ballot.
The Hall of Fame case for Jonathan Papelbon isn’t nearly as strong as the one for Wagner. Although he saved 368 games in his career and did it with an impressive 2.44 ERA, I’m not quite so sure he was ever as feared as Wagner.
We also have to consider something else: innings pitched. Papelbon was a closer compiler. By this, I mean he spent almost his entire 12-year career picking up saves which makes his awesome total look less like an achievement and more like an award for showing up and doing his job.
Papelbon’s best days came prior to joining the Phillies in 2012. His Boston Red Sox days were highlighted by four All-Star selections and a World Series victory.
Papelbon played for some very good Red Sox clubs and some equally as disappointing Philadelphia teams. Just as he arrived on the Phillies roster, things began to trend downward. And while he pitched well, things got ugly near the end. I can’t think of the name Papelbon without remembering him grabbing his crotch.
Although an incredible closer, Papelbon has fewer saves than Wagner and another closer on the ballot, Joe Nathan. For him, it might simply be a case of not having enough years to truly become one of the best relievers of all-time.