Sep 2, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) celebrates pitching the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Nationals 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
It is no secret that the Phillies are trying to trade Jonathan Papelbon. At this point they are all-but-begging teams to take the 32-year-old closer, who over the next three years is set to eat up a total of $39 million in payroll.
Is there any team out there willing to give Philadelphia a prospect in exchange for an aging wildly overpaid right-handed closer who appears to be rapidly losing his once-dominant stuff? Maybe the Orioles?
Baltimore and Philadelphia have reportedly been in discussions regarding Papelbon. Baltimore no doubt brought up the subject of salary and just how much of that $39 million Philadelphia would be willing to pay.
My main concern with Papelbon would not be his steadily rising WHIP or the way his strikeouts dropped off in 2013 or even the fact that he’s owed nearly $40 million from now till the time he turns 35. Mostly I would be worried about his wardrobe.
If Papelbon promises not to dress like that ever again, and Philly promises to pay a large percentage of Papelbon’s salary? Sure. Sure, I’d take a chance on Papelbon. He still had a decent ERA in 2013 and produced 29 saves for a team that didn’t exactly win a ton of games.
I’d give back a mid-range prospect in return. Sure. Again, this is all contingent on Papelbon learning how to dress.
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