Just when talks appeared dead, they have roared to life. Two reports tonight have said that talks for Jonathan Papelbon with the Brewers are still alive, although it is unclear how serious those talks are. Other reports are claiming that the Blue Jays have jumped into to the mix as a potential suitor.
Since the first reports that talks between the Phillies and Brewers were getting serious, little information was getting out that those talks were going anywhere. Luckily for the Phillies, those talks have continued. With the Blue Jays now also involved in talks, the Phillies have better chance to make the best deal they can.
Hearing an undetermined AL team has talked to #phillies about a Jonathan Papelbon trade in the past few days.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) January 27, 2015
#Phillies scribe @ToddZolecki reports the #bluejays are the AL Papelbon suitor. He would fill a need there.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) January 27, 2015
Both teams have a void at closer with Francisco Rodriguez and Casey Janssen both being free agents. While Rodriguez (3.04 ERA) had a respectable season finishing the most games in the National League, 66, he still blew five saves. Janssen (3.94 ERA) wasn’t nearly as successful and blew five saves.
The question about money is still in play. Papelbon is owed $13 million next season and has a $13 million option if he finishes 48 games next season. Another possible dilemma could be Papelbon’s limited not trade clause, although this past July he claimed that it may not be an issue.
Andrew Shipotofsky is a writer for Philliedelphia
