It's because all you have to do is be a good consistent closer every year really. Because if you have one bad year as a closer you'll so easily be bumped to a Set up or 7th inning man or further. Papelbon is just very good every year. For a while now.
Rickie Weeks clutch for no reason. I literally forgot he was still in the league.
What I don't get is why Norris hasn't been checked on yet. This is like the third play he's came up slow holding his leg.