Jonathan Papelbon: 'I Don't Really Feel Much Like A Phillie'
By Ray Boyd
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Jonathan Papelbon's relationship with Philadelphia has been an interesting one to say the least. Despite success on the mound, Philadelphia has not really embraced Papelbon with open arms and recent comments make it seem like he has not embraced the city all that much either.
In an interview with The Boston Globe, Papelbon opened up about his time with the Phillies since leaving their opening series opponent, the Boston Red Sox.
"The Red Sox are a part of who I am," the Phillies closer said to the newspaper. "I don't really feel much like a Phillie."
It is understandable for Papelbon to have a connection to the Red Sox considering that he spent seven seasons pitching for the team, but it is a very serious statement to say he does not feel like a Phillie despite being in town for three seasons.
Papelbon also has 107 saves in a Phillies uniform and is six away from becoming the franchise leader in that category.
It will be interesting to see what type of reaction he gets from the Phillies fans when he achieves that milestone.
Papelbon also told The Boston Globe that the transition to Philadelphia has not been easy.
"I'm not going to lie. It's been tough. Tough getting used to the way it is here. It's two totally different organizations.
"The way they're ran, the way they're coached, the players that are on them. Two totally different styles of baseball. I don't know if I can honestly tell you if I'm even used to it yet."
If Papelbon is not used to the Phillies after three seasons in town, will he ever be?
