You may remember back to yesterday when I posted this video of Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon during his weekly television spot on Comcast SportsNet New England in which basically Cinco Ocho said “payback’s a bitch” about the incident last week with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Terry Francona was a little pissed about this and spoke to Papelbon right after he was talking to the assembled media about it.
“I’ll speak to him,” sighed Francona when the topic was brought up. “We don’t need to go there. I’ll talk to him.”
Francona was upset because Papelbon’s words not only could serve to fan whatever flames are leftover, but also from the standpoint of the umpires, who especially now will be on the watch for anything that constitutes further paybacks. One likely fear from the Sox’ point of view is that one high and tight pitch from Papelbon, even if it’s not meant as payback, could result in the closer’s ejection.
At that point, Francona happened by. He leaned over to Papelbon and said, “When you get done holding court, could you come in and see me?”
Papelbon started to say something and Francona playfully but purposefully grabbed a handful of Papelbon’s T-shirt and dragged him out of the clubhouse to his office for a brief chat.
I understand Tito’s concern because you definitely don’t want to lose your closer in a tight ballgame because of a questionable call by an umpire.
Really! One thing a closer CAN’T do is start threatening brushbacks. Great, you broadcast a threat. So here you are. Game’s on the line, ninth inning. You throw in close. You’re out of the game.
Now what, genius?
Exactly! That’s why Tito was pissed off at him. Although you have to wonder if warnings will be issued before the game.