Where is Papelbon's "late life" in his fastball?

I watched Jonathan Papelbon's grueling save of the game against the Angels' Saturday - and, I'm a bit concerned about how he looked.

First, I heard vague reports from Spring Training that Papelbon hadn't performed in his typically top-notch way. I never watched him, so, it was impossible to judge. I knew he was supposed to be working on another pitch.

Well, yesterday, I watched as Angel hitters kept getting the bat on one Papelbon fastball after another. Everyone spoke about he incredible 9th-inning battle between Papelbon and Howie Kendrick. Kendrick, at one point, fouled off seven balls in a row. What few were noting was how rare it is for a hitter to manage to keep getting wood on that many Papelbon pitches in a row.

I did not see the normal "giddyup" in Papelbon's fastball. Even with velocity, it looked more straight and hittable than usual. And, this is after he had several days' rest - and at the beginning of the season. What's going on here?

I hope there is an explanation. He looked a bit better in his first outing of the season.
With Papelbon, that "late life" on his heater is everything. Without it, the Sox season goes down in flames.