PHILADELPHIA — Jonathan Papelbon has never been one to mince words or withhold his true feelings about a subject, so it shouldn’t have come as much surprise when the Nationals closer returned to Citizens Bank Park on Monday and lobbed criticism at the Phillies organization that traded him earlier this summer.
Papelbon, who signed a 4-year, $50 million contract with Philadelphia prior to the 2012 season, had requested a trade after watching the Phillies plummet to the majors’ worst record and publicly announce a rebuilding project that included the dealing of several other popular veterans.
Because his contract included a no-trade clause, he had the final say on where he was dealt, and he accepted a deal to Washington on July 28 after getting assurances from the Nationals he would serve as their closer.