He's not just an elite closer. He's the best in Red Sox history. I remember teams that lost pennants because they lost 30+ games after the 7th inning (1976). This guy has spoiled the fans. He blows 5 or 6 games in one year and everyone loses their minds. The fact is that the Sox record in games when they are ahead going into th 8th this season is phenomenal. Bard and Papelbon are an incredible tandem-- a potent weapon. If we lose one of them, Tito would have to manage the 8th and 9th innings. That can't have a good outcome.
Papelbon saves 30+ games every year, and for context, he got to 200 saves faster than anyone, including the great Mariano. He's only 30, and he's got lots of years left int he tank. By all means, let him walk. f*** him. Maybe he will go to the Yanks and close for them. If Red Sox management would be stupid enough to let that happen, ....well, I don't even want to think about it.