Why Jonathan Papelbon to the Blue Jays won’t work

Mar 6, 2014; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) points before a pitch during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Reason 2: The Side Show

In our own internal discussions, the Jays Journal team immediately honed in on one of the biggest deterrents to a Papelbon trade; the Jonathan Papelbon experience.

For those that remember Papelbon’s days in Boston, there was no shortage of interesting shenanigans on the part of Papelbon. From his slow stare into the plate before each and every pitch, his Irish jig with a Bud Light box on his head, or discussion of hitting free agency and setting the market for all closers, there was no shortage of moments that were all about drawing attention to one man; Jonathan Papelbon.

That attitude continued on with the Philadelphia Phillies. Papelbon, whether he thinks he’s a leader or not, called out his teammates on multiple occasions, calling out the team’s fundamental work behind him during a blown save and making obscene gestures to fans.

The Toronto Blue Jays made a huge effort this winter to shed players that they deemed to be clubhouse distractions. Adam Lind and Casey Janssen are both gone, both having a history of calling out the team and its motives in the past. Brett Lawrie is gone, a player who has made similar sideshow meltdowns.

Adding Jonathan Papelbon would bring a culture back into the clubhouse that the team has made significant strides in breaking. Closer need or not, the health of the clubhouse doesn’t need to take a step backwards.

Next: Reason 3: The move simply doesn't make sense