Red Sox Papelbon: "I'm Content" On Contract
BOSTON (CBS) - Arriving early for Spring Training this year, closer Jonathan Papelbon is excited to get 2011 started.
"See the smile on my face?," Papelbon asked WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Jonny Miller at training camp in Fort Myers, Florida. "I'm excited man, how can you not be excited? It's going to be a fun year."
After the way last season ended, the fireballer is ready to put a rough 2010 campaign behind him.
"Any time you don't make the playoffs, especially in our organization, you're disappointed," Papelbon said. "But you need to find a way to move on, try to learn from what you did right and what you did wrong, and take it into the next season."
Papelbon posted a career-high eight blown saves in the frustrating season, but is ready to prove he still has what it takes to close out games.
Papelbon Talks About "Earning" Closers Role In 2011
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"I think you have something to prove every year as a player," he said. "I think everyone on our ball club have things to prove."
Instead of looking back on his struggles, Papelbon did not dwell on the past during the offseason.
"I didn't really sit there in the offseason and rewind tapes and try and figure out what I was doing wrong," the 30-year-old said. "My biggest thing this year was trying to figure out what will make me successful this year, learn from it and move forward."
Papelbon did not have the supporting cast out of the bullpen he will in 2011. To go along with set-up man Daniel Bard, the Sox acquired former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks and reliever Dan Wheeler.
"I think he'll add confidence in our bullpen, a winning attitude," Papelbon said of Jenks. "He knows how to show up to work each day. When you're in the bullpen it goes a long way for players that know how to show up each and every day to go to work, know what it takes to get ready, know what it takes to win."
With the notable additions to the bullpen, and an offseason of trade rumors, Papelbon is not worried about retaining the closer's role. At the same time, he knows he has to earn it.
"I feel like you definitely have to earn things, in this world and in this game you're not just given things," he said. "I'm going to go out there and earn it. I want everyone to know I don't just show up expecting things. I'm going to go out there and put the work in, go out and show who I am."
Papelbon and the Red Sox agreed to a one year, $12-million deal in the offseason. The deal avoided salary arbitration, but will make Papelbon a free-agent after the season. Despite the lack of contract security, he is still happy to be a member of the Red Sox.
Papelbon Says He Is "Content" With Contract Situation
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"I'm completely content where I'm at right now," Papelbon said. "I think our ball club is set up the way that were going to win. I think Theo (Epstein) did an outstanding job this year filling in the gaps"
Asked if he wanted to remain with Boston after the season, Papelbon had a laugh with Miller.
"I don't know Jonny, if I had that magic eight ball I'd let you know. Unfortunately I left it back in Mississippi."
Pitchers and Catchers are due to report to Fort Myers on February 13th. WBZ's Dan Roche will begin live reports from Florida starting February 15th on WBZ-TV, 98.5 The Sports Hub, and WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
