Jon Lester endorses Jonathan Papelbon, thinks he could help Cubs
A number of contending teams are being linked with recently released reliever Jonathan Papelbon, but there are some questions as to whether his character would be detrimental to one of those teams.
Chicago Cubs pitcher and Papelbon’s former teammate Jon Lester doesn’t buy that at all.
“He is crazy,” Lester said of Papelbon on Sunday, via ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. “But he’s no crazier than the rest of us. He just gets a bad rap for what happened in the dugout. Knowing Papelbon, I’ve always had good things to say about him as a teammate, how he respects the game and how he goes about his business.”
Lester is alluding to the Bryce Harper incident, but it’s clear he doesn’t think that’s representative of Papelbon.
“People are quick to jump to the conclusions based on one event,” Lester added. “I think he’s a great teammate. Like I said, I don’t think he’s any crazier that the rest of us. I think he still has a lot to give.”
It’s unclear if the Cubs would be interested in Papelbon. One of his former teams might want him, though.
