Papelbon: Shipping back to Boston
The Guru
Contributing Writer
The last time Jonathan Papelbon walked off the mound for the Red Sox, Boston had just completed the worst collapse in team history. Less than three months later, Papelbon, the Sox all-time saves leader, walked out of Fenway for good, signing a four-year, $50 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Before last night’s game Papelbon was back holding court again at Fenway Park, but this time it was in the visitor’s dugout.
Papelbon reflected on what was best about Boston, “Obviously [the] championships we won here, the memories of pitching in so many situations where the game was on the line and having fun with it.” Papelbon continued, "Hopefully, the fans understand that what I did here was come here and help win. Hopefully, I'll be received well. But I will also accept the fact that I might not.”
No worries there Pap.
The Red Sox showed a video montage on the big board early in the game that one would have to dub simply “the best of Cinco Ocho” and fans let it be known they appreciated all he had done with the team. Papelbon gave a salute from the dugout as the Fenway Faithful continued to cheer.
Papelbon never had a chance at a save last night as the Sox rolled 8-3. But it’s interesting to note that Papelbon has 47 saves since donning a Phillies uniform. Over the same amount of time, the Sox have 48 saves. It has taken eight different pitchers to do it.
Questions and comments encouraged below. Follow The Guru on Twitter @TheGuruGS
More musings from The Guru.
Contributing Writer
The last time Jonathan Papelbon walked off the mound for the Red Sox, Boston had just completed the worst collapse in team history. Less than three months later, Papelbon, the Sox all-time saves leader, walked out of Fenway for good, signing a four-year, $50 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Before last night’s game Papelbon was back holding court again at Fenway Park, but this time it was in the visitor’s dugout.
Papelbon reflected on what was best about Boston, “Obviously [the] championships we won here, the memories of pitching in so many situations where the game was on the line and having fun with it.” Papelbon continued, "Hopefully, the fans understand that what I did here was come here and help win. Hopefully, I'll be received well. But I will also accept the fact that I might not.”
No worries there Pap.
The Red Sox showed a video montage on the big board early in the game that one would have to dub simply “the best of Cinco Ocho” and fans let it be known they appreciated all he had done with the team. Papelbon gave a salute from the dugout as the Fenway Faithful continued to cheer.
Papelbon never had a chance at a save last night as the Sox rolled 8-3. But it’s interesting to note that Papelbon has 47 saves since donning a Phillies uniform. Over the same amount of time, the Sox have 48 saves. It has taken eight different pitchers to do it.
Questions and comments encouraged below. Follow The Guru on Twitter @TheGuruGS
More musings from The Guru.
