Former Nationals reliever Jonathan Papelbon remains unsigned, though he hasn’t been on the open market for long and is still assessing his options. While a near-term signing may still be anticipated, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com notes on Twitter that the veteran’s timetable for joining a new organization appears to have shifted back somewhat.
One team that will not be considering the former star closer is the Rangers. According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, via Twitter, Texas has no interest whatsoever.
The Red Sox, though, continue to be linked to a pitcher who made his name in Boston. As Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald reports, GM Mike Hazen told WEEI’s Lou Merloni and Mike Mutnansky that the club is “just kind of in a wait-and-see” situation after having expressed interest.
Hazen did note that the Sox are looking at ways to bolster their pen, with the idea being to build as much depth as possible. It has seemingly been tough going on the fickle August trade market, making the freely-available Papelbon a more appealing target.
Though questions have understandably been raised not only as to Papelbon’s effectiveness but also whether he’d be a good clubhouse presence, his former employers and teammates haven’t shied away. After a previous statements of support from Cubs lefty Jon Lester, Red Sox slugger David Ortiz says that his former teammate would be a welcome addition, as ESPN.com’s Scott Lauber writes.
Please keep Pap out of Boston
why?
Would love to see Papelbon attack Mookie.
Make it happen Dombrowski!
Attack Mookie? Uh, no. Papi would pull Papelbon’s head off and drop kick it into the bullpen. Then make Pap apologize for wasting his time.
You forgot to mention the bullpen pitchers would use his head as a soccer ball for their friendly match between innings.
To stay loose, of course.
Yes steroids does that to a person!
Troll
Doubt his “attitude” would be a problem in Boston, tho the NE media would try to make it one. He’s been at the receiving end of their assault’s before and don’t remember him really going off to awfully much, not to mention multiple people still around he has both played with and coaching staff wise.
Issue would be only 2 people in the pen with options and neither deserve to go down, those being Matt Barnes and heath hembree. 2 of the more solid relievers. Hembree just cannot catch a break, he keeps falling victim to a numbers crunch. Abad should have never, ever been picked up in the 1st place. he might be a good garbage time pitcher, but he’s not worth 2cents in any pressure situation.
If DFA’ing either Abad, or Bucholz clears a spot? Can see picking up Papelbon, but not at the expense of Barnes, or Hembree who have pitched well all season.
The only way his attitude won’t be a problem is if they make him the closer. He was his last trip thru Boston, and he had his reputation then, too. I just don’t see Dombrowski being that desperate.
You might say the Red Sox made Abad move at the trade deadline!
Well played Sir, well played
he wont be the closer, and he isnt expecting to go to a contender AND close
Can’t really see DFAing today’s starting pitcher. Probably want to get Wright back and make sure ERod is okay before getting rid of all the depth. They can always drop one of the extra infielders or Hembree again.
Hopefully sometime over the weekend Pap makes a decision and is reunited in Boston
What team he ends up with may have a lot to do with what role the team envisions him feeling. I’m sure he’d like to see someone with a need bring him on to try to catch lighting in a bottle. Not saying it will work but I could see a guy like him wanting one last shot at high leverage game action
Club does not need anymore Abad additions.!!!!!!
That one was forced man, booo
This year for some reason the entire league closure are terrible
Papelbon is done time to retire
Everyone thinks he has an attitude.. Anyone think for 2 seconds the Bryce Harper kinda has one?? Lol
^ This…
The poster boy of the MLB?! NO! It’s everyone else’ fault
Can’t stand Harper. The guy hasn’t a humble bone in his body. Cut up his batting gloves so no one can sell it on ebay… Even Barry Bonds embraced the fact that people could sell his home run balls to improve their lives financially.
Yeah, and like the hair? Ahh such a tool. MLB won’t give Trout nearly that much attention, and he’s better. It’s a shame.
JD is really protective of the clubhouse. He’s like the anti-Jerry Jones who is attracted to trouble like a fly to $#!T
For the naysayers of the group, let’s consider the Mark Melancon debacle of 2012. Prior to coming to Boston, he had pretty gaudy numbers with the Astros: 71 games with an 8–4 record, 20 saves, and a 2.78 ERA.
After coming to the Sox, his first four games in 2012 resulted in a 49.50 ERA, He was demoted to Triple-A Pawtucket on April 18 after giving up six runs, including three home runs, without recording an out against the Texas Rangers. Melancon was recalled June 10 after an injury to Rich Hill. During his time in the Majors with the Red Sox in 2012, Melancon finished the season 0–2 and a 6.20 ERA and 1 save in 41 appearances.
The following year, he was traded back to the NL (Pirates) where he made the all-star team as a set-up man. An injury threw him into the closer role, where he excelled. He ended with a 1.39 ERA, a 3–2 record, and 16 saves., In 2014, he notched a 3–5 record with a 1.90 ERA and convered 33 saves in 37 opportunities.
In the 3rd and final year of his contract w/the Pirates he finished the season with a league-leading 51 saves and won the 2015 National League Reliever of the Year Award.
Now granted, Melancon is 5 years younger than Papelbon but the circumstances are similar, Papelbon probably didn’t warrant release since he only really blew three saves and his heater still hits 91 or so. I see no downside. We need an arm. He has played in a big market like this. Actually, the exact market. And thrived on the energy. We’ll see, but I say all systems go.
Ironically enough, Melancon replaced Papelbon as Nats closer. Strange days, indeed.
That’s not really ironic.
Tito could use him in Cleveland.
After today’s game in Detroit, the Papelbon bus just backed up to the clubhouse.
Cubs should go for him considering that Strop and Smith are on the DL, so know if we add Pap we can have a 7-8-9 again with Carl Edwards Jr, Pap and Chapman. They may even take turns closing although the Cubs did give up an amazing amount of talent to get Chapman
Something happen to Rondon?
Forget about looking for bullpen help. The red sox need to look for a new manager. John Farrell needs to go NOW!!!!!!!
What’s everyone’s problem with Farrell….. ?? …. Don’t get it…… If anyone has a problem they should be looking upstairs at the GM…… Farrell can only control what’s on his roster
Boston doesn’t need a head case…..