Pap Smears

It doesn't appear to have taken Jonathan Papelbon very long to settle into his new home with the Phillies.  The enigmatic closer came out with some harshly worded comments pointed at the Boston fan base, otherwise known as Red Sox Nation:

“The difference between Boston and Philadelphia, the Boston fans are a little bit more hysterical when it comes to the game of baseball,” Papelbon said. “The Philly fans tend to know the game a little better, being in the National League, the way the game is played.”

I don't think Paps comments were truly  aimed towards the ever day fans,he is clearly bitter towards the Sox' limited pursuit to retain him this off-season.  He also may be annoyed due to having  Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys recently insist that he no longer use "Shipping up to Boston" as his entrance song.

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Papelbon has never been known to speak intelligently speak on any topic.  He has, however been known to throw pure gas in key late-inning situations. 

The Jonathan Papelbon era was filled with great nail-biting moments which inevitably led to late-game heroics.  I would hate to see this media word fight devolve into something that could threaten Pap's iconic image in Boston.

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Papelbon Career Stats

W-L:      23–19
Saves:  219
ERA:     2.33
K:         509

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• 4× All-Star (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
• World Series Champion (2007)
• 2007 This Year in Baseball Closer of the Year
• 2007 DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award
• 2007 Babe Ruth Award
• (26) Major League record for most consecutive scoreless innings to start a postseason career.
• Fewest appearances to reach 200 saves.
• First pitcher to achieve 30 or more saves in each of their first five years of major league service.

-Kevin Aherne