Philadelphia Phillies rumors: Jonathan Papelbon wants trade
By Bryan Rose
To say it’s been a rocky road for Jonathan Papelbon as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies would be an understatement. Signed to at the time the largest ever contract for a closer, Papelbon struggled during his first few seasons in Philadelphia and many assumed his career was quickly fading away.
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However, the veteran has had a bit of a resurgence this season and looks to be in All-Star form. Of course, that hasn’t helped the Philadelphia Phillies all that much considering they’re struggling in the National League East division and are facing what is likely to be a hefty fire sale given their absurd amount of massive contracts.
No longer wanting to play a part in the losing, Papelbon all but suggested he wanted to be traded before the July 31st deadline after Wednesday’s game.
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
Jonathan Papelbon wasn’t done though as he questioned why any player would want to take part in the Phillies losing ways this season, which understandably probably didn’t sit well in the City of Brotherly Love.
As to where Jonathan Papelbon wants to be traded, he didn’t specify, though did suggest he wants it to be a contender – shocking, I know.
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
While the closer is having a very fine season he may struggle to find a new zip code given his massive contract, something the Phillies are going to need to pick up a portion of in any trade. Still, if they can pawn off a handful of it, you’d have to think they’d try.