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Papelbon, Mechanics, etc.

With the Twins in Boston the next couple days, we get a chance to see some exciting players that we don't see a whole lot, not to mention one of the most exciting ballparks in the majors (watching last night's game, a pinball machine comes to mind).

One of the more interesting stories from Sox Nation in the past couple of years (IMO) is the emergence of Jonathan Papelbon.  For anyone who is interested in a story that captures the mentality of a competitor, and also sheds light on how a big-league club protects their investment in a pitcher, you'll love this article by Tom Verducci:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/tom_verducci/09/25/late.great1001/index.html

Tom is one of my favorite sportswriters (If you ever get a chance to read his "I Was a Toronto Blue Jay" article, where he spent a week participating in Toronto's spring training, you'll love it.  It's the only SI I've ever kept).  I thought this article regarding Papelbon's mentality, mechanics, and how the Red Sox have cultivated him was fascinating.  

Just wanted to share.