Papelbon deal settled, says “there was no hesitation”

Posted by Danielle Wilson

Pap

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!

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