Papelbon goes to the Phillies
November 12, 2011 16:49:33 UK
The free agent market has started to move forward with news that Jonathan Papelbon has signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.
The deal, which has yet to be announced, is subject to a medical and is for $50million over four years.
The surprise decision from the Phillies, who were upset by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the play-offs, will mean that Philadelphia will part ways with Ryan Madson, who is also a free agent.
Originally drafted in the third round by the Boston Red Sox, Papelbon, a 30-year-old native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was a closer for the Mississippi State Bulldogs in college and spent seven years in the majors at Fenway Park.
A four-time All-Star, Papelbon will be looked on to provide a lock down ninth in support of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels in the Phillies rotation as Philadelphia is again likely to enter the season as one of the World Series favorites.
The Phillies are 13.00 to win the 2012 World Series, with the Texas Rangers 5.00 and the St Louis Cardinals 16.00.
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