Phillies' Papelbon tired of discussing declining velocity
Phillies closer Jonathon Papelbon is growing increasingly tired of answering questions about his waning velocity, as a group of reporters discovered on Thursday.
"Why do you guys care so much about velo so much, man?" Papelbon said in response to a reporter's query. "Does that matter? Does that really matter? Do you think that matters? I don't understand that. I mean, if a ball has life on it at the plate and you're throwing 88 miles an hour versus 98 miles an hour, it doesn't make one damn bit of difference."
[Courtesy: CSN]
Papelbon's fastball averaged roughly 96 miles per hour as recently at 2011, but the 33-year-old's velocity has declined appreciably of late, as his four-seamer now sits around 92 miles per hour. A five-time All-Star, Papelbon owns a 5.06 ERA with a blown save in six appearances this season.
HEADLINES
- Harper after slump-busting game vs. Giants: 'I'm really good'
- Yankees DFA LeMahieu with nearly $22M left on deal
- Guardians' Ramírez withdraws from ASG, replaced by Astros' Paredes
- Martínez, Ramírez hit back-to-back HRs as Guardians sweep Astros
- Rays' Caminero named AL's starter at 3B after Ramírez pulls out of ASG