closing argument

Only five pitchers in major league history have topped 400 career saves. One has to think that Jonathan Papelbon has a real shot at reaching that milestone. The Mississippi State product, now closing for Philadelphia, notched his 250th on Friday night against Atlanta. He is in his seventh full season at age 31. It might be too much to expect of Papelbon to put up seven more years like his first seven. You never know when a pitcher’s arm might go. But 150 more seems reasonable, especially considering how consistent Papelbon has been. His save totals year-by-year: 35, 37, 41, 38, 37, 31 and 31 (so far in 2012). His ERA spiked to 3.90 in 2010 and his walks were up in 2009 and ’10, but he allayed any concerns with a solid final season in Boston. His last game with the Red Sox was forgettable (blown save in a must-win Game 162), but he is likely glad to be out of that circus, even if Philadelphia’s season has been a tough one. With six more saves in 2012, Papelbon will move into the top 30 on the career list. No. 1 Mariano Rivera’s 608 (and counting) is out of reach (by anyone, ever), but the top five might just be a target. Former Jackson Generals star Billy Wagner is the current No. 5 with 422. P.S. Among the players added to the expanded rosters were former Generals star Lance Berkman (off the disabled list with St. Louis) and ex-Mississippi Braves Jordan Schafer (off the DL in Houston), J.C. Boscan (Atlanta), Brandon Hicks (Oakland) and Deunte Heath (Chicago White Sox). … Atlanta announced that ex-M-Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons will start a rehab assignment on Tuesday with one of the playoff-bound Class A teams. Among the things the scuffling Braves need (deeper runs by their starters, a rejuvenated Brian McCann, more time on the pine for Dan Uggla), getting Simmons back at short (and his bat back in the lineup) is near the top of the list. Paul Janish can play defense, but he hasn’t hit a lick.