Jonathan Papelbon “Encouraged”; Says Phillies Poor Play Not Ruben Amaro Jr’s Fault

 
Photo: Philliedelphia/Lindsey Crew

For once Jonathan Papelbon may have said the right thing.  Instead of suggesting he go play for a contender and that he didn't join the Phillies for "this", Papelbon offered a positive comment today when appraoched by reporters.  The Phillies made no moves on the July 31 trade deadline.

Ryan Lawrence of the Philadelphia Daily News tweeted:

Papelbon "encouraged" Amaro has stood pat, kept team together.

— Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) July 31, 2014

Further, the Phillies' poor play is not Ruben Amaro Jr.'s fault:

Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon says all of the losing the last 3 years has nothing to do with GM Ruben Amaro Jr.

— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) July 31, 2014

One must wonder what the Phillies players are thinking right now.  They must know that they are not good enough.  They probably enjoy each other's company; they may even be too comfortable.  They may all get to get to stay together for some time.