Written by: Kevin Early
Jonathan Papelbon was frustrated after giving up two runs in the top of the
9th to blow a 6-4 lead the Phillies gave him on Saturday. It was Papelbon’s first blown
save of the season, so what did he do? He offered up a $5,000 to anyone who
would hit a walk-off homer off Rays reliever Jake McGee.
“This was a huge pickup for us by Jim Thome," Papelbon said. “I couldn’t be happier for anybody else in this clubhouse.
I’ve got to do a better job myself and come in and do my job. But you know, I’m
kind of misfiring right now, so I’ll get some good work in and keep grinding
away. I came in the clubhouse
and I said, ‘Whoever walks this guy off, I’ll give him five grand.’ I didn’t
think Jim would do it right off the bat. Not that he needs the
money but…”
"I just wrote him a check
for $5,000,” Papelbon said.
It is unclear whether or not he payed up though as Jim Salisbury
tweeted, “Addendum to Pap walkoff payoff: Thome says no money was
exchanged. Oh well,
still cool story.” Other media reported that Papelbon wrote the
check in the clubhouse.
"That was a huge pickup by Jim Thome," Papelbon said. "I couldn't be happier for anybody in the clubhouse."
This is the proper way implement a bounty system.
Why the Cincinnati Reds should host the 2015 All Star Game
Written by: Andrew Wittry
Great American Ballpark was constructed in the early 2000's to replace Cinergy Field and was first used during the 2003 Major League Baseball season as the new home of the Cincinnati Reds. Cincinnati has gone ten seasons without hosting the game in the Reds' new home and the city has not held the Mid-Summer Classic since 1988 at Riverfront Stadium. …
Blockbuster Trade Will Shift Power to the National League and the West Coast
Written by: Andrew Wittry
The Boston Red Sox have been in the news countless times this season and usually it is negative publicity. Bobby V's comments about Kevin Youkilis. Josh Beckett playing golf on his off-days but unable to pitch. Once again they are making the headlines but this time it is 100% baseball related. The BoSox are finalizing the biggest deal of the year with the Los Angeles Dodgers that would send Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford, and Nick Punto to the West Coast for James Loney, Rubby De La Rosa and a trio of minor leaguers-right handed pitcher Allen Webster, infielder Ivan De Jesus, and outfielder Jerry Sands. …
Nats' Bryce Harper becomes youngest position All-Star
Written by: Kevin Early
On the same day Ian Desmond withdrew from the 2012 NL All-Star team with an oblique strain, Bryce Harper has been selected by Tony LaRussa as the replacement for Giancarlo Stanton, who will have knee surgery. Youngest position player in an All-Star Game ever.
"I don’t have words to explain it right now. It’s exciting to go. …
