Jonathan Papelbon: Straight Cash Homey

There’s no secret that I think very highly of Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon. But there’s one thing about him I don’t understand. Check out this head scratcher from Jonathan Papelbon:

I’m here to get my fair share of money,” he said. “My main priority is to stay healthy and be able to make money, not to go out and try and hurry up and win a championship this year (at the risk of injury). It’s not like I’m hurrying up and going back to the closer’s role because we have a good team this year and I’m going to blow (my arm) out and try and win as many games as we can (at any cost). No, it’s not going to happen.

“I’ve got a lot of money to be made in this game, whether it’s with Boston or not. My goal is to make sure I’m ready to play every day and to make money, and you can’t make money if you’re sitting on the bench. That’s the way I look at it.”

????? Yeah, I’m sure Lucchino and Epstein loved reading that. Well, since Rod Tidwell raises the point, why did Papelbon move back to the bullpen if not to hurry up and win a championship? One thing is for certain, the Red Sox better lock him up soon, because he’s not a guy you want to just let go — he’s the best closer in the game, and probably would be an awesome starter too. Oh yeah, and make sure you give him a sweet signing bonus for good measure.