Papelbon thinks Manny was a "cancer"

[TheKilo]

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view.bg?articleid=1158028

 

Jonathan Papelbon minced few words about the dark, final days of Manny Ramirez’ tenure with the Red Sox in an interview in the April issue of Esquire magazine.

 

Papelbon described Ramirez as a “cancer.”

 

“It just takes one guy to bring an entire team down, and that’s exactly what was happening,” Papelbon told Esquire. “Once we saw that, we weren’t afraid to get rid of him. It’s like cancer. That’s what he was. Cancer. He had to go. It (stunk), but that was the only scenario that was going to work. That was it for us.”

 

Interesting because it's the first player other than Schilling to publicly bash Manny.

[BoSox21]

Wow, I'm shocked that he said that. Not shocked in the opinion but shocked in the fact that he said it publicly.

[a700hitter]

Wow' date=' I'm shocked that he said that. Not shocked in the opinion but shocked in the fact that he said it publicly.[/quote']He's following in the tradition of Curt Schilling.

[Dojji]

It's Papelbon. Are you really that surprised?

 

I've thought for awhile that in a lot of ways Papelbon did indeed resemble a young Curt Schilling given the selection of stuff and the initial career track. (remember, Schill started his career in the 'pen too, before the Phillies stretched him out). Now we see an attitude comp as well.

 

Ahh well, he can taolk all he wants to. Just back it up on the field.

[BoSox21]

It's Papelbon. Are you really that surprised?

 

I know he's outspoken but has he ever publicly criticized a former teammate before? And using the word "cancer" is pretty strong. That's about the worst thing you can call a player who was on your team.

[rician blast]

He was asked a question and he told the truth....didn't we all suspect that Manny was bringing the team down, especially when the players voted to get rid of him by such an astounding majority?

 

Who fkn cares, it's not like he's bashing a current teammate, his coaches or the FO.

 

That'll come later....if and when he greases the skids to leave for more lucrative pastures.

[BSN07]

Papelbon is a straight shooter and a competitor. Manny was hindering the teams ultimate goal. It's not surprising Papelbon saw Manny as a cancer.

[BoSox21]

Again, this has absolutely nothing to do with what Manny did. This has to do with the fact that Papelbon being so candid about it is rather surprising. Yea, Schilling was also outspoken but Schilling hasn't really been a part of the team since 2007.

[Dojji]

I think the shoving match between Manny and Youkilis didn't help. There seems to be a conflict that's inevitable sometimes between the last few survivors of the 2004 core and the young up-and-comers. Some of what I could best describe as listnessness from Big Papi might explain as well.

 

Wow. I just looked it up. It really is down to Tek and Papi left from the 2004 group. Kinda sad when you stop and think about it. kinda suggests that one reason to sign Tek was to find a way not to isolate Ortiz...

[BoSox21]

Wow. I just looked it up. It really is down to Tek and Papi left from the 2004 group.

 

Tim Wakefield says hi....and Youkilis appeared in almost half the games

[Keeper]

It is sad. The only guys left from the '05 White Sox group are Konerko, Dye, Pierzynski, Buehrle, Contreras, and Jenks.

[BoSox21]

Aren't you glad we have an FO who isn't all that nostalgic and knows when to cut ties to ensure the team stays competitive?

[TheKilo]

I think the shoving match between Manny and Youkilis didn't help. There seems to be a conflict that's inevitable sometimes between the last few survivors of the 2004 core and the young up-and-comers. Some of what I could best describe as listnessness from Big Papi might explain as well.

 

Wow. I just looked it up. It really is down to Tek and Papi left from the 2004 group. Kinda sad when you stop and think about it. kinda suggests that one reason to sign Tek was to find a way not to isolate Ortiz...

 

Beaten to it but Youk and Manny were both on the 04 team.

[BoSox21]

Youk was on the team but wasn't part of the "core"

[Dojji]

Right, he was barely a roleplayer so I don't count Youkilis. And Manny isn't "left." He's gone.

[BoSox21]

lol, Manny has a sore hamstring today