Amaro Preaches Papelbon’s Mindset About Winning

If you haven't been paying much attention to the Phillies recently, they have certainly not been at a lack for news when it comes to trades and such. Most notably, Jonathan Papelbon expressed his feelings about pitching for a contender. Ruben Amaro Jr. made comments on what the Phillies closer had to say.

While this may not come as a surprise, it does bring up other questions. Sure, Chase Utley & Jimmy Rollins have their 10-5 rights, with the ability to block a trade to any team. All deals involving them must be brought to them first. Both members of the double-play duo have said they would like to stay in Philadelphia. The question is….why? These players that were the cornerstones of the championship run want to stay here and I cannot think of a good reason why other than they want to stay with the team they won a title with and also it is a comfortable situation. Families are here, things are familiar in Philadelphia. So why leave? I enjoy Rollins and Utley as much as the next Phillies fan and they have earned their right to stay. I just wonder the reasons they want to. I haven't heard championship comments or anything about contending from either of them in their interviews.

Anyways, back to the closer. Jonathan Papelbon was not a member of the five straight NL East title teams or the NL Champion teams or the World Series Championship team. There's no "attachment". He has two rings of his own from Boston, but he still wants to win. Who can blame him? Despite the turn around of the bullpen, what on this Phillies team screams consistency? After Papelbon made his comments, GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said that every one should have the mindset of the Phillies closer. (via CSNPhilly.com)

“Every single player on this team should want to play for a winning team,” Amaro said before Thursday afternoon’s game at Miller Park. “It’s as simple as that.

“I don’t misconstrue his comments as something that was negative toward the organization. He’s in a situation where we’re not a contending team right now and he would rather be on a contending team whether it’s here in Philadelphia or somewhere else.

He’s never come to me and said, ‘I need to go away,’ or, ‘I’m not happy here.’ He’s never said he’s unhappy here. He’s never said anything like that. It’s just competitive nature. He signed here to be on a contending team every year and these last two years, 2½ years, we haven’t been able to do that.

“I don't view this as a problem. I've never viewed him as a problem."

So far in 2014, Papelbon has a 1.27 ERA over 35.3 innings.  Opposing hitters have posted a line of .179/.252/.195 against him. If you take out his outings prior to April 2nd, he has a 0.53 ERA in 34 innings. Opposing hitters only have 2 doubles, 0 triples, and 0 home runs against Papelbon.  Think about it this way…in 35.3 innings, Papelbon has given up only 2 extra-base hits. 

“He’s been outstanding,” Amaro said. “Is there anybody better right now? Stuff-wise there might be a guy better, but he’s doing his job. He’s been phenomenal. He’s been outstanding for our kids in the bullpen. I mean he’s been really good with them back there. That means a lot.”

Papelbon is owed about $6.5 million this season and $13 million next season. He also has a $13 million option in 2016 that automatically vests if he finishes 55 games in 2015 or 100 games in 2014-15 and is not on the disabled list at the end of 2015 with an elbow or shoulder injury. 

Amaro wouldn't comment on whether or not the Phillies would honor Papelbon's request.

“I can't really comment on the trade situation,” Amaro continued. “We are open-minded about a lot of things. We'll see what happens over the next several weeks."

Thought Amaro said that every player should want to play for a winning team, it makes you wonder what is going in his mind, having not fielded a winning team in years.

Brandon Apter, Publishing Editor for Philliedelphia.com