Red Sox closer Papelbon fined for slow pace

Sep 5, 2009 - 4:49 AM CHICAGO(AP) -- Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon has been fined again for slowing down games.

Papelbon was fined $5,000 by Major League Baseball for taking too long to throw his first pitch. A new rule allows pitchers 2 minutes, 20 seconds from the final out of the previous inning to the first pitch. They get 12 seconds to throw once the batter steps into the box.

The fine was first reported by the Boston Herald. Papelbon was fined previously this season.

"After this, I don't know, man," Papelbon told the paper. "I think they're going to call my parole officer and put me away."

Papelbon has 34 saves in 37 opportunities this season, with a 1.84 ERA.