ESPN: Edes: On the field and off, Papelbon follows Mariano Rivera’s path

As my old coach, Burrhead McEldowney used to say…“The team makes the reliever. The reliever never makes the team.”

But when you compare the earnings curve of the Yankees’ icon and the Red Sox All-Star, there are definite parallels, especially in the way both have worked on one-year deals in the early years of their careers.

Papelbon came close to signing a two-year deal last winter, the first time he was eligible for salary arbitration, but the Red Sox fell short of meeting his $15 million asking price and he took a one-year deal for $6.25 million, a record at the time for any first-time eligible pitcher. (That record was blown out of the water earlier this month when Tim Lincecum, winner of two consecutive Cy Young Awards, signed a two-year, $23 million deal with the Giants.)

This year, Papelbon said a multiyear deal was never really discussed, as he took another one-year contract, this one for $9.35 million.

“We both agreed this year we’ll do the one-year deal,’’ Papelbon said Tuesday after throwing off the mound for the first time since the end of last season. “Both of us are happy with that.

“I think they as the Red Sox and Theo [Epstein] as GM have really recognized the importance of my role on this team. I’m very happy for that. I think that when both sides are happy, what more can you ask for?’‘