Pap’s Got a Beef

Posted by Mike Giardi July 15, 2008 at 6:05 pm

So one of the New York tabloids tries to stir up a little something something with regards to Jon Papelbon’s thoughts a couple of days ago that he should close the All-Star game. When I read the quotes, I thought, “no big deal.” But considering the headline “Papelbum” and the obvious discomfort those comments may have caused Mariano Rivera, the story got a life of its own.

Today, the Sox’s closer fired back. You gotta read our friend Rob Bradford’s account. Hey, there’s a reason why I surround myself with people like Bradford. He’s damn good, and he got Paps in an extremely truthful mood. And you know what? I completely agree with Paps. The media screwed him on this one, and he should be mad. Besides, the thing that comes through in the piece that started this whole tete-a-tete is the man’s confidence in his own abilities. That is precisely why Pap has excelled in that role, to go along with his obvious physical gifts.

Don’t change kid. Keep doing what you do, and keep slamming the door on the opposition. You can close for my team any time, and I’m sure that’s what Terry Francona’s told him.