Closer and closer

While Jonathan Papelbon has been outstanding, posting an ERA of 2.23 with 30 saves (second-best in the AL), Mariano Rivera might be having the best season of his Hall-of-Fame career. Opponents are hitting .169 against him, and he hasn't blown a save yet. A tabloid story before the All-Star Game led to an icy reception in New York, so it's anyone's guess how Sox fans will greet Rivera on Friday night.