Jonathan Papelbon wants to be a Yankee
…okay, so Pabelpon didn’t really say that he wants to be a Yankee. I just threw out that headline to suck readers into the story. It’s called the old bait-and-switch (actually, it’s not called anything – I made that up too) and scumbag bloggers have been using the tactic for years. I promise I won’t do it again…today.
Here’s what Papelbon really said in relation to possibly joining the Bronx Bomers one day:
In an appearance on Sirius XM Radio, Jonathan Papelbon told Jody McDonald and Bert Blyleven that he would consider playing for the Yankees once his Boston career is over:
“Oh, of course. I mean, I think if we can’t come to an agreement on terms here in a Red Sox uniform, I mean I think that’s pretty much the writing on the wall.”
Papelbon says he’d consider joining other teams, too:
“Not only the Bronx, but anywhere. I think anywhere is a possibility. You always have to keep that in the back of your mind because you can’t just be one-sided and think that, “Oh, I’m going to be in a Red Sox uniform my entire career” because nowadays that is very, very rare and hopefully we can because there’s no question I would love to stay in a Boston Red Sox uniform but I have to do what’s best for me and play in an atmosphere where I’m wanted.”
Even the mere suggestion of a BoSox player possibly joining the Evil Empire is enough to get Boston fans to throw up their cereal, but Papelbon is just being realistic. He’s leaving his options open down the road and while there once was a time when no Boston player would ever dream suiting up in pinstripes, Johnny Damon proved that money and opportunity talk louder these days.
Remember though, Papelbon is under contract with Boston through 2011, so he’s still a couple years away from being able to test the market.
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If Pap wants to leave Boston and have the same success Johnny has had, so be it; but you can be sure he’s going to have many a night when Beantown fans are going to rip into him, his wife, his baby, whatever. Why? Well just like you said, John, it’s all part of the game nowadays. You think he didn’t like when crowds attack him personally before, just wait and see what it’s like if he leaves Boston for NY.
Only two replys from Red Sox fans because the rest of them are out on ledges…..
Last week somebody said Pedro was going to be a Yankee and if he does, I will be on a ledge as a Yankee Fan.
Boston, I beg of you………..keep your players and if you want Johnny back…take him. We send you nothing and you keep send us crap.
The reality is: If the Yankees want him – they will get him. Why ? Because the financial rules haven’t changed in baseball (no salary Cap). If the yankees really want a player – Papelbon or CC or Tex or Burnett or ARod or Giambi or anybody else in the last 36 years – they get them.
Here’s the way free agency works. The Agent (Boras usually) contacts Cashman and asks if he’s interested. He then throws a large price out there, usually overpriced I might add. Then it’s time for the rest of the League to match or beat that stupid number. If someone jumps ahead of the yankee offer – the Agent goes back to the yankees to get their final number. If NY really wants him – they pour on more money and grab him why ? Because they can. If they don’t want the player – they have succeeded in jacking up the unreasonable price … you see, they have the first and last call. WE pay the price at the ballpark. Sometimes, the agent tricks the yankees into bidding against themselves… they don’t even care – they just pay up – because they can.
It’s been this way since King G came to the Bronx. Like the steroid situation of today. Nothing surprises us.So, just like this Papelbon article, even though it’s hypathetical at this time – it wouldn’t surprise me one bit. Why not ?
Anthony, you could write this same article on Jason Bay right now too couldn’t he ? End of contract, MVP like numbers,they could show off and stick it to Boston ?
Bud Selig, The Agents, and Brian Cashman run the League ultimately don’t they ?
Not shocking:
Papelbon has shown at times this year that he can be erratic walking guys and giving up hits. He should focus on the job at hand and not play stupid politics making comments about doing what is best for himself and family. Hey we all love apple pie! As a fan, while loving the sox it is a shame that agents and players have this “self” first thing. Give me a break—how much money is enough money–especially for playing a game one presumably loves and if not that-flipping burgers.
I think Pap is an undercover Yankee fan! Hey…Boston is NOT a small market team and spends WELL OVER 100 mill a year on players. They have just as many PURCHASED players that the Yankees have. Becket, Wake, Lowell, Dice K Bay, Pappi, Green, Drew, and so on. They could of had Tex but the Yankees changed the way they negotiate and didnt shoot off their mouths. They just went and got him right before he was going to sign with Boston and it was a done deal. I will bet everything that in 2012, Pap is wearing pin-stripes. Why would he say what he said if he wasnt thinking or pondering the thought or dream?
Bronxbomber, you are an idiot. The sox did not “buy” Beckett or Lowell. Unless your definition of “buy” is trading Hanley Ramirez among others. You also mention Wake (signed with the Sox as a minor league free agent in 1995!!!), Papi (signed a 1-year $1.25M deal in 2003) and NICK GREEN (hahahahahahaha, won’t even bother refuting that one)!
PS In 2012 you can have Papi! By then he won’t be able to catch up to a knuckleball.
Pap can go to the Yankees the sox have 4 other guys in the pen that can close as just as good as he can. And the red sox have owned the yankee pen especially mo Rivera.
Dear Mr Bronx Bomber72,
Boston is NOT a small market team. But they are not in the same universe as the yankees. The Mets are way closer.Boston is about 4th in MLB with $128 mill – the yankees are at $206.Not the same and hasn’t been for 30 some years.Boston is in the second tier.Unfortunately for you – Boston is smarter than your team in the front office these days.
The yankees got CC,Tex, and AJ this year – spending a gazillion dollars on them. Boston went to the bargain basement and dusted off Smoltzie for $5.5 Mill, Saito for $1.5, Penny for $1.5 and incentives and a trade, Rimarez for Coco Crisp.Not the same my friend.
Pap an undercover yankee ? Don’t think so.It is just wise to use the leverage to jack up his next contract.And,like Bay44 said.If the yankees want him – or anybody else – they will get him.