July 13, 2015
As the only player representing the Phillies at this year's MLB All-Star Game in Cincinnati, Jonathan Papelbon is right where he wants to be: Anywhere but Philadelphia.
The 34-year-old closer, who is having another strong season on the mound (1.60 ERA, 5/1 K/BB), has fairly routinely voiced his desire to pitch for a contender to local reporters. Now, on a big stage like the Midsummer Classic, national writers are getting the up close and personal opportunity to hear some of Papelbon's, um, honesty:
Jonathan Papelbon is sitting here talking about how the Phillies need to trade him. Good times.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughStar) July 13, 2015
Papelbon keeps saying the Phillies "need to you-know-what or get off the pot." This is great.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughStar) July 13, 2015
As mentioned above, this isn't really anything new except more people across the country might now start paying attention to Papelbon's discontent. Last week, we wrote about Jayson Stark's report that Ruben Amaro, Jr. might have previously been shut down on trading his closer from above. One thing is for sure, though: If the Papelbon is still a Phillie after the trade deadline, he is not going to be a happy camper.
Jonathan Papelbon said if he's still in philly "I won't be happy! But hat's not going to affect how I prepare"
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 13, 2015
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