Posted by Danielle Wilson
It's official. Madson's out, Papelbon's in. Jonathan Papelbon, the 30 year old closer from the Boston Red Sox, is without a doubt one of the greatest closers in the game. Those words are music to Ruben Amaro Jr's ears. Papelbon and the Phillies have agreed on a four-year, $50 million contract with a vesting option which would bring his total salary to $63 million. Just this afternoon, the deal was finalized for a grand total of $58,000,058. Uh-huh. The extra $58 was completely necessary.
Here are a few excerpts from his press conference this evening at Citizens Bank Park:
"I knew these guys wanted me, and I made my decision right then and there, there was no hesitation."
"The Phillies showed that they were interested in me and I wanted to make this decision quick and get it over with, and the Phillies showed the utmost loyalty to me."
"There's something in my heart that feels like I was meant to be here and play in front of these fans."
"I don't think for a closer, there's no difference between leagues. I gotta go out there and preserve wins for the team, that's the bottom line. I've had my fair share of ups and downs, those situations make you better, and I definitely feel that the situation in Boston last year will make me a better pitcher. I'm not going to shy away from being a cannibal as a pitcher. I've always gone about my business that way."
He's hungry for a championship, and he's more than happy to have landed a deal here in Philly.
Welcome aboard, Pap.
Jonathan will be wearing number 58 on his back for the next four or five years. I wonder which number Antonio Bastardo will choose now that his is taken!
