June 16th, 2006 → 12:38 am @ Seth Mnookin // No Comments
This is the second in a series of outtakes from interviews done for Feeding the Monster, to be published on July 11 by Simon & Schuster. This interview with Jonathan Papelbon was conducted in the Red Sox clubhouse on September 6, 2005. This year, Papelbon is 1-1 with an American League-leading 20 saves and a 0.28 ERA.
On the differences between the minors and the bigs: Well for me, I knew what I had going at the minor-league level and I knew I was ready to come to the big-league level. But it’s a matter of really learning how the big-league level works and at the same time, coming here and helping to compete to win the pennant race. That’s what it’s all about. Because up here, it’s all about winning. In the minor leagues, it’s all about development, production, stuff like that. Up here, it’s all about winning, period. That’s what I’m here to do, and that’s what I’ve come to realize: that’s all I’m here to do.
On the intensity of playing with the Red Sox: No, I wouldn’t say it’s been overwhelming at all. The game hasn’t been overwhelming. The game hasn’t changed on me a whole lot. I think the thing that has changed is getting used to the traveling—you know, checking your bags with the bell captain, which I’ve never done before. Just things like that, things outside the game like getting to the field. When we were flying from Kansas City, I didn’t know to leave my bags, so I took them with me to the park thinking I’m going to put them on the flight. I didn’t realize the bell captain takes them. And everyone’s like, “This is is big-leagues, you don’t carry your bags here! If somebody sees you carrying your bags they think you work for the team.” That was pretty much the moment where I was like, “All right. I’m really here.”
On playing in Boston: I love it. I love playing here, I love the atmosphere. I grew up playing college ball in this type of atmosphere where you’re expected to win, and I thrive off of it. And right now, I’m just riding the wave and doing everything I possibly can to help the team.
Post Categories: Big League Perks & Feeding the Monster Outtakes & Jonathan Papelbon & Red Sox
