Papelbon will close, ESPN indicates

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The Sox brass had a meeting of the minds before yesterday's game. The reason for the meeting was not disclosed; however, the likely topic was the question of who will close for this team. The Sox continue to explore trades, but the asking price is still too high for Theo Epstein's liking.

Will Jonathan Papelbon return? A report from Erin Andrews moments ago during the ESPN telecast of the Sox and Phillies indicates that Papelbon will be announced as the closer in a press conference after today's game. The Sox could insert Kason Gabbard in the No. 5 spot until Jon Lester is ready, and move Tim Wakefield to No. 4. Or, if Lester is ready, they can move him to No. 4 and keep Wakefield at No. 5. Either way, the Sox have a deep rotation. Julian Tavarez, Devern Hansack and Kyle Snyder would be spot starter options, if needed.

Returning Papelbon to the closer's role would seemingly defeat the purpose of moving him to the rotation for health reasons. Papelbon, though, says that he can start or close without strain on his shoulder because of the intensive off-season conditioning program he underwent. This will likely be a one-year stint, with Papelbon moving to the rotation in 2008 when Bryce Cox is ready to take the reigns of closer.

Red Sox season preview to air on Up On The Monster Radio

If you want to share your opinion on the state of the Sox in 2007, be sure to listen to Up On The Monster Radio this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET. Yours truly will be a guest on the Red Sox season preview show along with Jonathan Singer of Sox Prospects, Jeff Moon of Fenway Fanatics and a yet to be determined host from Up On The Monster. This is an Internet radio show, and the URL is http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hostpage.aspx?show_id=16236. You can call the show at 718-664-6916.