From a purely statistical standpoint, LaRoche's contract is worse than Papelbon's. Unless Papelbon is some sort of clubhouse cancer that is negatively affecting other players, that trade would do absolutely nothing for them. It's a trade the Sox should do without hesitation if offered. Worst case scenario, you can always bury a reliever, even an expensive one, at the back of the bullpen. You're pretty much forced to give a substantial number of PA to a big money position player. There's less flexibility.