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.

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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David Ortiz has agreed to a one year $14.575 million deal with the Red Sox, avoiding salary arbitration. Great to have Big Papi back on board! The Red Sox are gearing up for a big comeback in 2012 with pitchers and catchers reporting in less than one week. Get psyched Sox fans!

The Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals are considered favorites to sign SP Roy Oswalt, but the Red Sox may not be out of the race.  Ben Cherington says signing another starter “unlikely” but no one can confirm if Oswalt has made up his mind. You can read more about the Red Sox chances of acquiring Roy Oswalt here.

The Red Sox are gunning for free agent starter Roy Oswalt to complete their pitching staff. Oswalt has long been one of the top pitchers in the MLB, so adding his arm could mean the difference between whether the Red Sox are a Wild Card team or World Series contender. Boston has reportedly made an offer to Oswalt and Sox management expects to hear a decision from him soon. You can read more about the Oswalt chase here.