When Jonathan Papelbon first became the Red Sox closer he seemed untouchable. Every time Pap came into the game Sox fans would breathe a sigh of relief, believing that Boston had clinched the victory. That feeling wasn’t there in 2011. It could be that hitters were finally figuring him out, or that he had lost his swagger a little bit, but something just wasn’t the same. When the season was on the line Papelbon couldn’t get it done – he blew the save and gave up two runs in the 9th against Baltimore on September 28 to cement the Red Sox epic collapse.

Maybe that’s why Pap now plays for Philadelphia.

Enter Andrew Bailey, the up and coming closer acquired from Oakland. Bailey has the raw skills to develop into a star and reports from Spring Training indicate that he is adjusting well to life with the Red Sox. Papelbon was once a frighteningly dominant closer for the Sox and no one can take that away from him. But is it better to have a younger guy on the rise than pay huge money for an older player who everyone in the AL East has seen over and over again? The Red Sox brass certainly seems to think so.

Jason Varitek will announce his retirement on Thursday, ending his legendary playing career with the Boston Red Sox. Tek may not have Hall of Fame numbers but his leadership, class and attitude made him the rock of the Red Sox franchise for the past 15 years and he could someday get his number retired at Fenway. It is a sad moment for Red Sox Nation, saying goodbye to a longtime hero who was instrumental in the Sox breaking of the Curse in 2004. Vartiek will, in all likelihood, accept some sort of coaching position with the ballclub so his knowledge of MLB hitters and the game of baseball in general could still benefit Boston for some time. Here’s to you, Tek! Thanks for everything.

The Bruins made some unexpected moves just before Monday’s NHL trade deadline, bringing several notable new faces. Giving up Steve Kampfer in exchange for Minnesota’s Greg Zanon makes the B’s a tougher team as Zanon is known for his physical play. Peter Chiarelli’s deal with the New York Islanders brings back former Bruin Brian Rolston and Boston College Grad/Massachusetts native Mike Mottau adds some Veteran presence and depth at the affordable cost of 2 minor leaguers. Not the flashiest deadline day for Boston, but the Bruins should be a better team because of it.

The NHL trade deadline arrives at 3 pm on Monday February 27 and Bruins fans don’t have a clue what the team will do (if anything). The B’s have some big trade bait at goaltender, but moving Tim Thomas or Tuukka Rask seems unlikely. They might be able to bring in someone like Milan Hejduk from a Colorado franchise that is in limbo between contending for a playoff spot and building for the future but that is merely speculation. Acquiring a big name forward like Rick Nash is probably a bit too pricey for Boston, so Peter Chiarelli may not be able to complete a deal before the day is done. However, the NHL trade deadline is typically the most active swap season of any major sport so anything could happen on Monday…

New England Patriots fans are still reeling from the Super Bowl 46 loss, but things are already looking up for Patriot Nation. The Pats are the odds on favorite to win next year’s Super Bowl according to Vegas gambling gurus, and the Belichick braintrust has not one but TWO picks in each of the first two rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft. This gives the Patriots an opportunity to beef up their sub-par pass rush and shoddy secondary…as well as add an outside threat at WR. Bill Belichick is back in Indianapolis for the NFL combine this week scouting next year’s new additions, so cheer up Pats fans: the Dynasty isn’t dead yet.

Jason Varitek is expected to announce his retirement soon and the Red Sox will move ahead without the likes of the longtime hero as they embark on their 2012 campaign. Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Kelly Shoppach will fulfill the catching duties – forcing Veterans like Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholtz to adapt to life without the Red Sox rock behind the plate. Varitek will likely remain with the club as some kind of coach or consultant so hopefulyl his insight into hitters’ habits will still be present but his stepping down signals the end of an era for Red Sox Nation.

After 19 years in the Majors, Tim Wakefield has decided to retire. The Red Sox were unsure about what to do with him coming into Spring Training so perhaps it is best that Wakefield made the decision for them. Sad to see a legendary career come to an end, but the timing feels right here. It was a great run, Wicked Knucklah. Red Sox Nation will love you forever!

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