During spring training, Jonathan Papelbon was one of the Phillies praising the clubhouse atmosphere that had dramatically improved from last season, according to players and manager Ryne Sandberg.

Two days into the regular season, however, all of those good feelings apparently are a thing of the past for the enigmatic closer.

Speaking to the Boston Globe prior to Wednesday's game against the Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park, Papelbon admitted that even as he enters his fourth season in Philadelphia, he has yet to fully identify himself as a Phillie.

Papelbon has been a lightning rod for fans and media alike in Philadelphia, but still recorded 39 saves in 2014 — good enough for fifth in the National League. The Phillies signed the 34-year-old to a four-year deal worth $50 million in 2012.

When Papelbon records his seventh save this season, he'll surpass Jose Mesa as the franchise's all-time saves leader, but he still seems to long for the days of Fenway Park and taking the mound with the Red Sox, in town for this week's season-opening series.

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Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975. Find NJ.com Philadelphia Sports on Facebook