Jonathan Papelbon

When injury claimed established closer Keith Foulke, Boston handed the job to rookie Jonathan Papelbon and the rest of the American League was immediately sorry. Papelbon didn’t give up an earned run until his 15th appearance, and finished the season with 35 saves and a 0.92 ERA. The Red Sox plan to return him to their starting rotation in 2007, where he seems certain to become a top-flight starter for many years to come.