Papelbon knows it. General manager Theo Epstein knows it. We are on the threshold of Papelbon’s final campaign at Fenway, which makes this Sox season of great expectations a tad awkward for both parties.
The big lug was diplomatic in a wide-ranging interview after working out at the minor league complex yesterday.
When first asked if being here next year is “realistic,’’ he answered, “I think anything is realistic. It’s a tough question. I’m not really concerned about that right now. I know that all of the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place after this year is done and I’m really not thinking about it. Yeah, there’s a possibility I could stay. Yeah, there’s a possibility I could leave. At the same time, I’m thinking of the possibility of winning a championship.’’
Nice try, big fella. But what is this like? He’s been part of the Red Sox since he was drafted in 2003. He’s been the greatest closer in franchise history. He was on the mound when the Sox won the Series in 2007. He has to be aware that we all think this is the end.
“Why does everybody assume that?’’ he asked me.
Because it’s been part of the plan all along, I told him.
“Did you come up with that idea?’’ he asked. (Don’t you love it when the guy being interviewed starts asking the questions?)
I didn’t have to invent the idea, I told him. It’s obvious.
Still, I wanted to know what it’s like to go to work knowing that everyone assumes he is done in Boston after this season.
“Like you said, that’s an assumption,’’ he said. “So I kind of just leave it at that. I don’t really sit there and think that every time I go out there and play that ‘this could be my last time in a Red Sox uniform.’ Honestly, I’m not gonna think about that.
