Settle down!  The Red Sox aren’t trading away Papelbon to be the set-up man for Mariano Rivera.  Truth be told, Papelbon wants to play with the Red Sox long term, that means beyond his contract year of 2011.  However, he did not rule out pitching in the Bronx if a deal is never made in Beantown.

Speaking on SirusXM Radio Thursday afternoon, Papelbon spoke about the chance of him being a future New York Yankee:

“Oh, of course,” Papelbon told Jody MacDonald and Bert Blyleven. “I mean, I think if we can’t come to an agreement on terms here in a Red Sox uniform, I mean I think that’s pretty much the writing on the wall. If they can’t come to terms with you they’re letting you know that, ‘Hey you know what? We can go somewhere else’ and I think it’s the same way on the other side, ‘Hey if ya’ll can’t come to an agreement with me then I can go somewhere else.’

“Not only the Bronx, but anywhere.

Smart move by Papelbon to put the fear of going to the enemy into the mind of the Sox brass. This should help him find a new deal down the road if he keeps up the same performance that the has had the last few years, and he will only be 31.

A Red Sox player in a Yankee uniform happens very often. It tore Sox fans hearts out to see Wade Boggs play the hot corner for the Yankees, and Roger Clemens on the mound. Johnny Damon helped break the curse, then headed to the Boogie Down. Of course, the Sox gave away Babe Ruth to the Yanks.

Popularity: 2% [?]