Papelbon: 'If I was a gambling man I would take us to go all the way'

[Johnnydollaz89]

The Phillies have gone from 102 wins in 2011 to 81 wins in 2012 to 73 wins in 2013, but that isn't stopping closer Jonathan Papelbon from being confident in their chances for 2014. Here's what he told reporters on Monday:

Jeff Skversky @JeffSkversky
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Jonathan Papelbon: "if I was a gambling man I would take us to go all the way"

Well, if Papelbon was a gambling man, he'd probably be out a ton of money after the season. Sure, the Phillies could go all the way, crazier things have happened, but it would take a lot going right while a lot goes wrong for a bunch of other teams, including those in the NL East.

I think there's a chance Philadelphia will be better this year than they were a year ago -- Marlon Byrd will help, ditto replacing the last remains of Roy Halladay with A.J. Burnett -- but you really have to squint to see them as a contender right now.

Papelbon: 'If I was a gambling man I would take us to go all the way' - CBSSports.com

They would be lucky to finish in 4th this season, let alone win it all

 

[depraved]

I respect his optimism. What did you want him to say? He's not going to say that his team sucks and the moves his team made are quite questionable. At this point in time every team is optimistic even the lowly Astro's have a chance at the playoffs since everyone has the same record... If I was a fan of the Phillie's i'd be happy he is saying this at this point in time, it shows that he is going into the year with a positive attitude. I prefer players like this on the teams I cheer for.

 

[bamabear82]

I've got 60 vCash that says otherwise. Your move Papelbon.

 

[navamind]

Papelbon: 'If I was a gambling man I would take us to go all the way' - CBSSports.com

They would be lucky to finish in 4th this season, let alone win it all

I wouldn't go that far. The Mets suck and the Marlins are just god awful.

 

[ugafan6612]

lol no

 

[Nasty_Magician]

The Mets may not be a World Series contender but they are greatly improved. I expect Atlanta to finish first with Washington not too far behind. I expect the Mets to actually be respectable this year and finish around .500. I just don't see the Phillies being better than those 3 teams, although I can't say I know a ton about any potential youth coming in.

 

[The Derski]

Papelbon's on the good stuff

 

[podsox]

haha

 

[navamind]

haha

Glorious.

 

[Fountain City Blues]

The Mets truly aren't that bad this year to be all that honest with you. They look a lot like a .500 team that isn't .500 for whatever reason to me.

 

[navamind]

The Mets truly aren't that bad this year to be all that honest with you. They look a lot like a .500 team that isn't .500 for whatever reason to me.

16-21 in one run games. I agree though, they're not a bad team. Imagine where they'd be if David Wright actually hit like David Wright and Matt Harvey was healthy? Seems a lot like the 2005 Mets, they're definitely headed in the right direction IMO.