Jonathan Papelbon was refreshingly candid almost every time he was asked about his contract status last season, saying it was a business decision and that he wanted to set the market for closers once he became a free agent. Good for him, too, that’s his right.

Then he arrived in Philadelphia last night and immediately said it wasn’t about the money.

“That (contract) doesn’t really play a role,” Papelbon told WPVI-TV. “The biggest thing that plays a role is the ability to come here and win. I’m extremely excited. I think that we’re going to be able to have ballclub that’s going be able to go and compete for a championship. I think, for me, that’s the biggest thing and that’s all you can ask for.”


Be sure of this, had the Red Sox offered $1 more than the Phillies, Papelbon would still be in Boston. It’s always about the money.