Daniel Bard Happy For Jonathan Papelbon, Not Ready To Discuss Boston Red Sox Closer Role

Boston Red Sox reliever Daniel Bard issued a text message to Red Sox beat reporters, during which he said that he is happy for Jonathan Papelbon but declined comment on his own uncertain status for next season.

"I'm happy for Pap, as he's worked extremely had for this, and he and his family will be missed in Boston," Bard texted the Boston Herald's reporters, referring to Papelbon's new four-year, $50 million contract to pitch in Philadelphia. But Bard declined comment on any other topics, especially his possible move to the closer role, until the Red Sox hire a manager and pitching coach.

With Papelbon's departure, the Red Sox will need a new closer next season. General manager Ben Cherington noted that Bard "is ready for more responsibility," but the team has not committed to promoting Bard into that opening. Reports say the Red Sox are interested in adding free agent closers Ryan Madson or Heath Bell.

Bard finished the 2011 season 2-9 with a 3.33 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 73.0 innings pitched.

-- For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

Report: Red Sox Never Made an Offer to Papelbon

Current Red Sox General Manager and replacement for the long-tenured Theo Epstein, told reporters on Friday that the Sox never made a formal offer to re-sign Papelbon.

Via Rob Bradford of WEEI:

"We never made an offer, or haven't made an offer to this point. I've had a lot of discussions with [Papelbon's agents] Sam and Seth [Levinson] about concepts," Cherington said. "To this point it's been clear where we see it, what we would be willing to do at this point in the offseason, given what our other needs are and given what we feel the alternatives are, is not something that matched up with what Pap was looking for. Because of that we haven't made a formal offer."

The former Red Sox closer reportedly reached and agreement with the Philadelphia Phillies for four years and 50 million dollars on Thursday. 

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

Jonathan Papelbon Leaves Behind Mixed Legacy With Boston Red Sox

Jonathan Papelbon was one-of-a-kind in his tenure with the Boston Red Sox. A top closer, a rock star,and ultimately, a mercenary. Appreciating what he brought to the team, without fooling ourselves about what part he played.

Jonathan Papelbon Deal With Phillies Worth $50 Million Over Four Years

Jonathan Papelbon has reached an agreement on a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, according to a report from Jim Salisbury of Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia. Salisbury reports that his sources have told him Papelbon's deal is worth nearly $50 million dollars over four years.

Papelbon, who had a 23-19 record with a career 2.33 ERA, 509 strikeouts and 219 saves in 396 games though seven seasons with Boston, will be very tough to replace. However, the Red Sox will receive help in the form of draft picks, with Papelbon being a Type-A free agent. As a result, the Red Sox will receive two draft picks for Papelbon as long as the current system stays the same according to Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe.

The Red Sox have already been tied to San Diego Padres free agent closer Heath Bell and are reportedly also interested in Phillies free agent closer Ryan Madson, who might just be looking for a new home now.

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.

Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies Reportedly Reach Contract Agreement

Closer Jonathan Papelbon has agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Jim Salisbury of Comcast Sports Philadelphia.