Josh Papelbon

From SoSH

Josh Papelbon was drafted by the Red Sox in June of 2006, following his junior year at the University of North Florida. He is a right-handed relief pitcher with a submarine delivery, a rare underhanded style in which the pitcher releases the ball so close to the ground that his knuckles often drag through the dirt. He currently pitches for the Greenville Drive wearing #21.

Contents 1 Scouting 2 Amateur Career 3 Pro Career 4 Awards 5 Trivia 6 External Links

Scouting

• Middle reliever with a sidearm delivery. Worked exclusively out of the bullpen in college and led his team in appearances and saves. Throws a mid 60s slider, low 80s fastball, and a low 60s changeup. Similar style and approach to Chad Bradford. Focused and intelligent. ~ Sox Prospects

Amateur Career

Josh finished high school with a record of 4-1, an ERA of 2.13, and 5 saves. He was redshirted at the University of North Florida in 2003 and became a relief pitcher in 2004. That year Josh's coach Dusty Rhodes suggested that he try a sidearm delivery, and as the year went on his arm kept dropping lower until he adopted the submarine delivery that he uses today. He sees his style as closest to that of Chad Bradford, who currently pitches for the Orioles, and whose unique pitching technique was the subject of a chapter in the book Moneyball by Michael Lewis ("Anatomy of an Undervalued Pitcher").

Josh completed his 2005 season at UNF with the fifth lowest ERA in the nation (1.48) and ranking fourth in saves. He ended his 2006 season with a 4-3 record and a 2.81 ERA. He uses mostly his fastball and prefers the slider as his strikeout pitch.

Pro Career

Josh started off the first year of his professional career with some impressive pitching with Single-A Lowell. As of July 27, 2006, he had an ERA of 0.00 through 11 games and 13.1 innings pitched. Jonathan attended the July 27th game and watched his brother throw 10 of 11 pitches for strikes. Josh ended his 2006 season with: 1.86 ERA, 0-2 record, 25 G, 29.0 IP 13 SV, 22 H, 12 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 36 SO, .195 opponent average, and a WHIP of 0.97.

To date, Papelbon is 5-7 with a 4.89 ERA and 12 saves as Greenville's closer in 2007. He has issued 18 walks and struck out 45 batters while allowing 73 hits in 57.0 innings. Opponents are hitting .319 against him.

Awards

• 2007 South Atlantic League All Star

Trivia

• Younger brother of Jonathan Papelbon and twin brother of Cubs draftee and college teammate Jeremy Papelbon. All three brothers live together in Jacksonville, Florida. Josh graduated high school with honors and majored in Business Management in college. His interests include fishing, surfing, pool and golf.
• Josh saved a school-record 24 games in three seasons at the University of North Florida.

External Links

• Josh Papelbon - Minor League Information Courtesy of Sox Prospects

• Josh Papelbon - Player Page Courtesy of MiLB.com
• Josh Papelbon - College Bio and Stats
• Jonathan Papelbon Interview
• Interview with Josh Papelbon - Courtest of Red Sox Nation