Weei.com’s Rob Bradford passes along some interesting quotes from the Red Sox’ fiery closer, and now free agent, Jonathan Papelbon…
“It really truly isn’t all about the money. It’s just not,” he said from his Mississippi home. “I’m going to a place where I know I’m going to succeed. I’m going to a place where I know I have a chance to win a championship. I’m going to a place where I know that my family is going to be safe, my family is going to like the environment, and everything else that goes along with off-field stuff. That’s what I’m looking at.”
That quote certainly makes it sound like Paps wouldn’t mind returning to Boston. In fact, he goes on to praise his interactions with the front office, especially Theo Epstein…
“I said, ‘Listen [Mr. Epstein], if you ever need anything, I’m here for you whether I’m going to be back here or whether I’m not going to be back here.'”
(snip)
“My six full seasons, as far as off-the-field side of things, were the easiest they could have been. I don’t think they could have been any easier.”
Well, if it’s not about the money and if he enjoyed his time with the Sox that much, perhaps he will indeed sign for the “home town discount”. That being said, what exactly would a “discount” be in this case?
Paps made $12M this past season, a deal that helped the two sides avoid arbitration. Mariano Rivera topped the reliever market last offseason, signing a two-year deal that pays him $15 each season. One would think, however, that Papelbon is looking for more than two years. Rafael Soriano followed up the Rivera signing at three years and $35M. Given the way the market seems to view closers these days, Papelbon may not get more that three years with a club option for the fourth. That being said, his average annual salary is very likely to come close to the $12M he made in his final year of arbitration.
The first step in the process is to offer Papelbon arbitration. If he accepts, he remains an expensive bullpen arm, but he’ll only be on the books for one more season. If he declines, then at worst there will be draft pick compensation coming Boston’s way.
Of course, nothing is going to happen until the team is sure who will be sitting in the GM’s chair in November. Stay tuned.