Papelbon: “Of Course” I Want to Pitch For a Contender
The hot news out of Milwaukee isn’t the fact that the Phillies took three straight from the team that entered their series with the best record in the National League. No, it is the fact that Jonathan Papelbon has reportedly stated his desire to play for a team in contention before the end of the month. His quotes and post game actions are captured here by Ryan Lawrence:
After the game, Papelbon said in so many words – some were nods, even – that he’d like to be on a new team before the July 31 trade deadline
— Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) July 10, 2014
Also: Papelbon still doesn’t have a “crystal 8-ball.” So he doesn’t know what’s going to happen. — Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) July 10, 2014
Papelbon: “Some guys want to stay on a losing team? That’s mind-boggling to me. I think that’s a no-brainer (to want to leave).” — Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) July 10, 2014
So you’d like to be pitching for a contender later this month? “Of course, man,” Papelbon said. “What kind of question is that?”
— Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) July 10, 2014
Opinion: I don’t blame Papelbon one bit. Papelbon was sold on the Phillies as a contender at the time he signed and they have not contended, save for a few weeks in early 2012, since he came to Philadelphia. Papelbon is pitching his best season since signing with the Phillies and may be of interest to contenders like the Angels or Tigers around the trade deadline.
