Trade Papelbon?

I didn't think this needed to be addressed, but it obviously needs to be. The Red Sox season ended a week ago yesterday. The Red Sox owned a 5-2 lead heading into the eighth inning. They were six outs away from Jon Lester pitching on short rest in Game Four. Billy Wagner entered, after Daniel Bard was lights out, and quickly got two outs. Wagner then proceeded to leave the game after he surrendered a couple of baseruners. Papelbon came on, with two runners in scoring position, and gave up a base-hit to score both of those runs. Score 5-4, Sox. Papelbon got out of the jam, and the Red Sox even added on an insurance run in the bottom of that frame to make the score 6-4. The Angels, down to their final strike after two quick outs by Paps in the 9th, put together quality at-bat after another. Papelbon would go on to surrender three runs in the inning and the Red Sox lost the game 7-6. It was a shocking conclusion to a game in which looked to be locked up. It was a heartbreaking way to end the game and the season. Trade speculation has grown rampid, and New Englanders alike are calling for the four-time All Star's head.

The essential question: With Papelbon insisting on testing the free agent market in a few years, should the Red Sox trade him while his value is still high?

The 2010 Boston Red Sox, already at a crossroad in their history, wouldn't feel nearly as comfortable heading into the ninth inning if Jonathan Papelbon wasn't toeing the rubber. Under only one scenario would I trade Papelbon:

1. The Red Sox gain key prospects in a deal, coupled with some of their own, that would allow them to deal for a big bat (Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzalez).

2. Billy Wagner is retained as the closer until Bard can take over.

3. With the loss of a dominating bullpen arm, the Red Sox lack depth at the back end of the 'pen. A power arm must be acquired to make up for the loss.

Outside of that, you hold onto your star closer and see what happens in free agency. If he isn't reasonable in his demands, then you part ways. Daniel Bard is more than capable of being a dominant closer in this league. Papelbon should have signed the extension last year, because now he doesn't have any of the leverage heading into any negotiations.