Papelbon Now Closing a Different Door

Alex Yoh — 3/7/12
Jonathan Papelbon may have a new gig, but his attitude remains the same.
“I think that everybody in here is just trying to win a championship just like we did in Boston,” Papelbon said before the Phillies hosted the Astros today at Bright House Field. Papelbon was one of the biggest free agent splashes this past offseason. He left the Boston Red Sox to join the Phillies bullpen, signing a reported four-year $50 million contract. He’ll take the reigns as closer in the City of Brotherly Love, a position that has been held by some notable arms in recent years, including Billy Wagner, Tom Gordon, Brad Lidge, and Ryan Madson.
Papelbon said he will spend this spring preparing for his role exactly as he always has. “I listen to my body, and listen to what I’ve done in the past and try to go off of that and not really try to do too much. Once you start feeling good in Spring Training, you tend to rev it up a little bit more than what you need to. For me, the key is gonna be, kind of, you know, taking a step back and be ready to go Game 1 and not 20 games into Spring Training.”
The Phillies also hope he’s healthy. Papelbon compiled a 23-19 record with 2.33 ERA and 509 strikeouts in seven season with Boston. The reliever also spoke highly of his new manager Charlie Manuel. “Charlie’s been great. He’s been going around the clubhouse, trying to get to know new guys and learn the old guys even better. I’ve enjoyed being here so far with him.”