Red Sox-Yankees: Papelbon Pitches Five Outs to a Rocky Save

Look for Takashi Saito to close for the Red Sox if they have a save chance against the Yankees. Jonathan Papelbon threw 32 pitches to get five hard-earned outs for the Red Sox Monday night.

The save was rocky, but not as bad as it looks. The eighth was fine, but in cold weather, he had a 20-plus minute wait for the ninth.

After giving up an infield single to Brett Gardner—runners without Gardner's speed would have been put out—Papelbon then hit Derek Jeter

He then struck out Mark Teixeira, walked Nick Swisher, and struck out Robinson Cano. Overall, it was a great performance for Papelbon, and from a fantasy perspective it was huge. However, it will cost Papelbon owners the next day for Paps.

Although nothing is official, expect Saito to get a save opportunity; I know how Francona handles Papelbon, and he will not pitch if the Red Sox lead in the ninth tomorrow. That is probably obvious to anyone.

So if you have Saito on your bench, put him in.

Check out my closer report at www.thecloserreport.com and email questions or comments to [e-mail].