Has the trip to Japan already ruined the 08' campaign for the Red Sox? Almost all the players seem to be keeping quiet about the trip except for one, the closer Jonathan Papelbon.
“It’s been pretty ridiculous,” closer Jonathan Papelbon told the Herald’s Rob Bradford over the weekend. “Not only to start out in Japan, but all the responsibilities they asked of us in Japan, the appearances, all the extra (stuff) besides going to Japan. Not only that but I think things were said and promised and not held up. That certainly starts the trip off on the wrong foot.” - Boston Herald - Gerry Callahan
The Red Sox have gotten off to a 4-4 start and were just recently swept by their division rivals the Toronto Blue Jays, who clearly looked like the better team in the series. Could this be because of all the travel days the Sox have had to endure these past couple of weeks? Don't forget they had to travel to Japan, play in exhibition games with limited minor league players, play 2 real games at 6AM EST, fly to California for a few more exhibition games before playing a couple of real games in Oakland, then finally flying to Toronto for a 3 game series. This road trip has had to take it's toll on the players and that's why I'm going to give their 4-4 start a pass.
But, let me say this, if Papelbon and/or others continue to complain about this trip throughout the seaon it's going to seriously piss me off. If they were promised certain things from MLB then take it up with the Bud Selig and move on. I honestly don't want to hear excuses all season. I've already given the Yankees enough crap for their pissing and moaning in 04' and now my Red Sox may do the same... oh boy.
Finally, I expect this season to be one of the most competitive AL East seasons we've seen in a long time. The Sox and Yanks will ultimately battle it out the last week of the season for the division but don't be surprised if Toronto is only a few games back come September 1st. Regardless, if September comes and I'm still hearing about Japan I'm going to punch someone, probably you.
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This sounds like the very same thing Theo critisized Mike Mussina for before the Sox made the trip. Either Theo should publicly call Papelbon a bad apple or he should keep his mouth shut until he's experienced the very thing he's commenting on.
That quote from Papelbon is taken out of context - it was made when the Sox were threatening to boycott the trip to Japan over their coaches not getting paid. That quote is about 3 weeks old now. Come on buddy! Get you facts right.
So far, no Red Sox has whined like Mussina did in '04, and their currently tied in last in the division.
"but all the responsibilities they asked of us in Japan, the appearances, all the extra (stuff) besides going to Japan."
Sounds after the fact to me.
Papelbon is a little cry baby anyway, so it doesn't surprise me in the least. At least he gets it done on the field, but he could end up being the next Schilling if he doesn't stop yapping to the media.
I know for a fact this quote was after the trip. He's also pissed because they were promised more day games after the trip and apparently ESPN over-ruled the mlb rights to do that.
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That quote from Papelbon is taken out of context - it was made when the Sox were threatening to boycott the trip to Japan over their coaches not getting paid.
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