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February 26, 2008
Gossage: Papelbon Best In The Game
Via the Worcester Telegram & Gazette News
Sitting in the third base dugout watching batting practice last week at Legends Field in Tampa, the spring training home of the Yankees, Goose Gossage was asked which pitcher in the game today reminds him most of himself.
The Hall of Fame’s newest member wasted little time answering.
“I think (Jonathan) Papelbon,” Gossage said. “I think he’s the best closer in the game today. Mariano (Rivera of the Yankees is) still a great closer, but I think the way (Papelbon) goes about it, he’s probably the best.
“When they said they were going to put him in the rotation last year, I just started laughing. I said they’re never going to put him in the rotation. He’s too valuable. Guys like him only come along once in a blue moon. So it was comical.”
I guess Goose has never met Takashi Saito.
Yes, I'm kidding - sorta/kinda. Seriously, Papelbon (as much as I cannot stand him) has a claim, sure. But, couldn't Gossage play some favorites here and throw Mariano a bone? Let's see Papelbon do "it" for 5 years in a row before we fit him for a crown or something, OK?
Posted by Steve Lombardi at February 26, 2008 08:12 AM
Comments
11 years of being the best closer known to human kind, just isnt enough these days.
Posted by: Bradley ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at February 26, 2008 09:01 AM
lol Bradley
Posted by: MoLewisSocks at February 26, 2008 11:07 AM
Exactly Steve. The title of great (or greatest) closer is earned by doing it for a long time. The path is littered with the carcasses of guys who put together a great season or two and then blew up. Lidge comes to mind of recent. Now, I don't think Mo was as dominating last year as he has been, but he's still damn good and, along with Hoffman, qualifies as great having done it for more than a decade. Gomer has had 2 very good seasons; but we'll see where he is a couple of years.
Posted by: #15 at February 26, 2008 12:28 PM
Goose is talking about right now and as of right now Pap is the guy.Yeah,Mariano and Ryan aren't far behind BUT Pap is still a very young guy so he has some things to prove.Mo has been the best closer for umpteen years the 4 championships wouldn't have been won without him BUT 1997 against Cleveland,2001 game 7 against Arizona, and game 4 and 5 against the Red Sox are his fault ,too.It will be curious to see if Pap can be that great and make those kinds of mistakes and still be considered to be great,time is still on his side.........
Posted by: butchie22 at February 26, 2008 01:19 PM
He's talking about today. But anyway, Goose is a total egomaniac, and he likes a guy who comes out playing country hardball and has nothing but a fastball. Though I'm surprised he didn't whine about Papelbon not pitching multiple innings, which he seems to do on a hourly basis. Goose's opinion of how hard it was to pitch back in his day goes further and further with each interview -- soon enough he's going to have himself pitching seven innings out of the 'pen, doing an obstacle course to get to the mound, and pitching against superstrong alien creatures from outer space.
Posted by: baileywalk at February 26, 2008 01:41 PM