Knuckle Curve » jonathan papelbon

Jonathan Papelbon Calls Manny Ramirez a Cancer

Stephen Kersey — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:03:41 +0000

Jonathan Papelbon, the closer for the Boston Red Sox, let his true feelings about Manny Ramirez known during a recent interview. Papelbon repeatedly classified his ex-teammate as a “cancer” who everyone was happy to see go.

Ramirez, who was traded during the middle of the 2008 season to the Los Angeles Dodgers, helped the Red Sox win two World Series championships. However, his breakup with the team didn’t go smoothly by anyone’s account.

A free agent this offseason, Ramirez ended up re-signing with the Dodgers. His contract makes it possible to become a free agent next year if he wishes. If not, he can opt to pick up a second-year option.

Papelbon also said that no teammates have told him to stop making comments about Ramirez. If Papelbon and the Red Sox meet up with Ramirez and the Dodgers in the 2009 World Series, expect to see fireworks.

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Phillies and Red Sox Win Game 1

Stephen Kersey — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 05:55:31 +0000

The Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox drew first blood in their respective championship series. The Phillies topped the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-5, while the Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0.

In the National League affair, the Phillies got off to an early lead and held on late as they won in front of their home fans. The hitting stars were outfielder Shane Victorino and pitcher Brett Myers. In fact, Myers was much better with the bat than he was with the ball as he went 3-for-3 with three RBIs and two runs. On the mound, he gave up five earned runs in five innings. Victorino, who was informed about a death in his family prior to the game, went 2-for-5 with four RBIs.

In the American League, the Red Sox went on the road to Tampa Bay and got a great pitching performance from Daisuke Matsuzaka. Matsuzaka was nearly perfect early on as he took a no-hitter into the seventh inning. He finished with nine strikeouts in seven scoreless innings. Kevin Youkilis went 3-for-4 with an RBI to lead the Boston bats.

To end the game for the Red Sox, Jonathan Papelbon pitched a perfect ninth inning. Here is a video of the never quiet Papelbon after the game:

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Jonathan Papelbon Crying After Loss To Yankees

Stephen Kersey — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 03:38:59 +0000

Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon was apparently crying after giving up a game-winning hit in the tenth inning against the New York Yankees. Papelbon, who entered the game tied at four, allowed Brett Gardner to drive in the winning run.

With two outs and Robinson Cano on second base, Gardner hit a single to right field. Gardner, a rookie, was only 1-for-16 entering the game.

With the loss, the Red Sox fell four games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East. With the win, the Yankees now trail the Rays by nine games.

Here is the video of Jonathan Papelbon crying:

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Jonathan Papelbon and Manny Delcarmen Video

Stephen Kersey — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:05:46 +0000

Boston Red Sox fans who have to wait out rain delays now have a new way to stay entertained thanks to pitchers Jonathan Papelbon and Manny Delcarmen. Papelbon and Delcarmen, who are both relievers for Boston, made a music video where they remix Milli Vanilli’s “Blame it on the Rain”.

While the video itself is comical, there is additional humor once you realize that Papelbon and Delcarmen are lip synching a song that was lip synched to begin with. It’s safe to say that Papelbon and Delcarmen are about equally as talented as both halves of Milli Vanilli.

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Jonathan Papelbon – Second Straight Blown Save – Red Sox Fans Worry?

Stephen Kersey — Sat, 10 May 2008 10:29:47 +0000

Jonathan Papelbon has appeared in less than 150 games as a relief pitcher but he has quickly become one of the best closers in the game of baseball. When Papelbon takes the mound, he oftentimes makes opposing hitters look hopeless.

However, for the second straight game, the right-hander out of Mississippi State has blown a save for the Boston Red Sox. The two blown saves were his first blown saves of the season. Last year, Papelbon had 37 saves and only three blown saves to go with a 1.85 ERA.

His first blown save was Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers. Papelbon gave up two unearned runs as the Tigers beat the Red Sox by a final score of 10-9. On Friday, the Minnesota Twins tagged Papelbon for two earned runs in the bottom of the ninth.

On the season, Papelbon now has a 2.55 ERA to go with ten saves and a 2-2 record. While Papelbon is currently struggling a bit, it’s not time for Red Sox fans to struggle. He’ll turn it around and won’t have more than a handful of blown saves the rest of the way.

Photo: Newscom

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