Many might call him “Papelbum” (especially Phillies fans nowadays) but there is still no doubt that Jonathan Papelbon is one of the most experienced relief pitchers in Major League Baseball. No, he’s not the 41 save, 2.34 ERA dominant closer like he was in 2008 with the Red Sox (who are in last place as of today). But he’s more reliable than what the Yankees currently have in their bullpen. With Andrew Miller going down, Dellin Betances is the only reliever Joe Girardi can turn to in the late innings and have faith that he’ll finish the job. Combine that with Betances getting overworked (and misused in my opinion), the Yankees are in serious trouble if they want to remain atop the American League East.
That’s where Papelbon comes in. He’s pitched in the AL East for years with success, and has pitched in tight World Series games, where the stakes are at its highest. He commands an expensive contract, but the Phillies have openly said that they will swallow a part of his $13 million dollar deal for this season AND next season. He’d bring reliability and experience at a cheap price, while filling a need.
I see two problems that would stop this from happening: one, who would the Yankees give up? And two, Papelbon wouldn’t accept his role with the Yankees.
Really, who would the Yankees give up for Papelbon? The Yank’s farm system is finally on the rise, and nobody wants to see that jeopardized for Jonathan Papelbon. However, Papelbon is one of the better options for a better price. Younger guys like Aroldis Chapman might be on the market, but the Reds would be asking for too much, most likely.
The Phillies have already drafted a bunch of infielders, so that already limits the potential players involved, which is unfortunate, because I’m sure they’d love to have Stephen Drew. Kidding, of course. Honestly, there aren’t any great options. The best bet would probably be John Ryan Murphy. Carlos Ruiz is 36, and their backup Cameron Rupp isn’t as good as an offensive threat as Murphy.
The Yankees would have to bring up Gary Sanchez a bit early, but Sanchez is one of their top prospects and experience won’t kill him. Unfortunately, the Phillies have some talented catchers in their system, but aren’t nearly as ready or experienced as JRM. It would be a long shot and I don’t like giving up young talent, but the Yankees need relievers badly.
The even bigger problem is Papelbon’s attitude. To be blunt, Papelbon is a jerk. I haven’t read or heard anything nice about the guy. He’s made it clear that he does not want to be the setup man. Ok, guy. Look, you’re not the man you once were. Clearly he thinks he’s still a hotshot. I’m not saying the Yankees should lie to him and tell him he’ll close over guys like Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller when he gets back…but that’s exactly what they should do. Or at the very least, give him the talk that Billy Beane gives to David Justice in “Moneyball,” where Justice realizes he’s not the star he used to be.
If Papelbon sees that he can be a part of a contender, something he hasn’t been a part of in years, he’d be a perfect fit with the Yankees. Face it, they need each other. Putting his lousy attitude aside and who would be included in the deal, the trade would help the Yankees weather the storm during Miller’s injury. As the trade deadline nears, teams will be calling for Papelbon. Let’s hope it’s the Yankees who gets the call back.
