Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon joins Gary Tanguay and Michael Felger on Mohegan Sun’s Sports Tonight on Comcast SportsNet this past week to discuss various topics, including his not-so-flattering “stunt double”. You can watch more exclusive uncut Jonathan Papelbon here, where he talks about playing Tight End, showing George W a thing or two, and poorly impersonating Gary Tanguay.

When you think of championships, what comes to mind? For me, the heroics from the regular season that led to the World Series trophy being hoisted up high, comebacks, big wins and the downright dastardly demolition of weaker opponents. Thus far, the Sox are once again beginning to resemble something special.

What I saw against Cleveland was the grit and determination that has brought the Sox the trophy in two of the last four campaigns. From Manny’s rocket (his 493rd career bomb and No. 132 at Progressive Field) to Papelbon’s heat, Boston’s 6-4 victory April 14 was a classic example of what a true team is capable of.

I’d like to congratulate designated hitter David Ortiz on snapping his gut-wrenching 0-for-17 slump during the first-inning of the game.

Manny! For all you fantasy guys out there, Ramirez basically sealed the deal for former Cleveland closer Joe Borowski to hit the disabled list and open the gates for an undoubtedly better option in former Sox farmhand Rafael Betancourt. Grab him!

Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon routinely hit 96 on the gun enroute to his fifth save of the season.

 Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon talks with Gary Tanguay & Michael Felger about the start of the season and his interesting diet in Japan.

1.) Jonathan Papelbon (RP) Boston Red Sox

He’s undoubtedly the best closer in the game. Over the last three seasons, he has only blown 10 saves in 82 opportunities. He sports a lifetime 1.62 ERA and a career 0.92 WHIP. Plus, he has limited opposing hitters to a paltry .180 average in his three seasons of experience. Last season, he struck out 84 batters and walked 15 in 58 1/3 innings of work. At the tender age of 27, it’s safe to expect “Paps” to dance his way into the hearts of even more fans as 2008 should be another fantastic season for the fiery closer.

2.) J.J. Putz (RP) Seattle Mariners

Over his last two campaigns, Putz has only blown nine saves in 85 opportunities and has additionally registered a combined 10-2 record with 186 strikeouts, 26 walks, a 1.86 ERA and a 0.81 WHIP in 150 innings. In 2008, his bullpen is a bit shaky, but the addition of starting pitcher Erik Bedard and the inevitable breakout of starting pitcher Felix Hernandez on the horizon, Putz will have plenty of chances once the ninth inning rolls around.

My Spanish is a little rusty, but in this public service announcement, I believe Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon is explaining what happened to that infamous World Series ball. Either that or he’s welcoming Spanish speakers to Fenway Park, telling them to enjoy the game, and asking them not to feed Bartolo Colon.

In the background, I believe we hear David Ortiz calling Papelbon a dumb female dog.

(This is via the Cape Cod Times.)