GOM, I think you were missing the point.
Papelbon would care, because like it was stated by yourself....he will hit the FA market. Papelbon would be excited Rivera is hurt because many of us see him signing with the Yankees since he believes his value is mush higher than the Redsox see it, plus the fact we already have more than 1 person capable of stepping in to that closer role once he leaves.
Papelbon will look for a huge deal, and the Yankees, like they always do....will throw wads and wads of cash at him.
There is a reason why he is one of the only homegrown players not extended, and little effort made at extending........we have guys ready to step in for him, we dont believe hes worth what he thinks hes worth, and he is just one fastball away from blowing out his shoulder, which was never surgically repaired, and nobody really knows whats going on inside of it.