Fansided

Five closers still on the trade market

By Thomas Conroy

May 3, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) reacts with catcher Brian McCann (34) after defeating the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) reacts with catcher Brian McCann (34) after defeating the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 29, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) reacts after recording the final out against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. The Washington Nationals won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) reacts after recording the final out against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. The Washington Nationals won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

5) Jonathan Papelbon – Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals have made it known that their entire bullpen is available in any potential trade, which is not surprising when considering how they imploded in games after the Jonathan Papelbon acquisition last July.

Papelbon is expected to be moved at some point in this offseason, but there are plenty of red flags surrounding him, which has quelled interest in acquiring the fiery closer.

Many teams have concerns about disrupting clubhouse chemistry if they bring Papelbon into the fold because of past issues with his teammates and the local fan base. Whether it’s the dugout-choking incident with teammate Bryce Harper or grabbing his crotch in response to booing Philadelphia fans after disappointing late-inning outing, organizations might be reluctant to acquire Papelbon if he cannot tone down his on-and-off-field antics.

No question that Papelbon doesn’t have the same velocity on his fastball like he did with the Red Sox or Phillies, as his average (13.0 in 2007 t0 6.1 last season) strikeouts per nine-innings has declined over the years. The one factor that might help the Nationals move him is that pennant contenders might be willing to acquire Papelbon if they feel he’s the missing piece in capturing a World Series title.

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