Papelbon off to strong start to season

Say what you will about Jonathan Papelbon, but the outspoken Phillies closer continues to produce.

The 34-year-old righthander needed just 11 pitches - 8 strikes - to get through another perfect inning Tuesday night in the Phillies' 7-3 win. He has allowed just one base runner - Washington's Reed Johnson singled in the April 11 Phillies' win - over 6 1/3 innings thus far.

Papelbon has six strikeouts - two on Thursday - and has yet to issue a walk. He has three saves in as many opportunities but the important number is his five games finished.

If he finishes 43 of the 148 remaining games, the $13-million option in his contract for next season vests. His salary - $13 million this season and potentially another $13 million next year - will be the sticking point in any trade negotiations regarding him leading to the July 31 trade deadline.

But at the very least, Papelbon's early-season performances on the mound certainly aren't hurting his stock.