There's plenty of blame to go around on this one. Both Papelbon and Harper are punks, although punks of different ages. Since this article was written we learn that after Desmond pulled Harper away, the outfielder went into the clubhouse and left the game. Williams said he had hoped to remove Harper from the game mid-inning in the eighth or ninth so fans could give him an ovation.
That is, Harper essentially took himself out of the game. Talk about insubordination to a manager. The comment below, recollecting announcers who said something was wrong with the Nationals, is right on key. There are a lot of parts to fix on this team.
That is, Harper essentially took himself out of the game. Talk about insubordination to a manager. The comment below, recollecting announcers who said something was wrong with the Nationals, is right on key. There are a lot of parts to fix on this team.
3
From the beginning of spring training this year, Joe Maddon preached a "respect 90" ethic to the Cubs' players. Simply, it means hustle and run out routine ground balls and pop-ups. It plants a seed in players' minds that good things can happen when you hustle and play the game as it was meant to be played. Now, in Maddon's inaugural year, the Cubs are going to play in the post-season. The Nationals apparently have had no such seeds planted by their skipper, Mr. Williams. And they will not make the playoffs. It starts with the manager, who sets the tone and makes the rules. and if Matt Williams had been doing his job, it would have been him, not Paplebon, who confronted Bryce Harper over his lackadaisical play.
2
I am dumbfounded by all the opinions on this page concerning Bryce Harpers personality flaws. My guess is that 99 percent of the comments are based on a few clips seen on ESPN and that none of you experts have watched more than a handful of Nats games this year or last. Why the sanctimonious readers feel so angry towards this crazy talented kid escapes me. I watch 150 Nat games a year. The kid hustles, has total respect for other players and considering his unbelievable talent and upside is rather humble. Not the arrogant brat you guys all purport him to be.
Both Papelbon and Harper are punks; the difference is that Papelbon is near the end of his career and Harper is just getting started. Plus, there's Harper's talent, but should that forgive all sins? Apparently, according to Mr. Kepner and those who will kowtow to star power. Harper may be the franchise player and the Nat's future, but I can only imagine how that outsized ego will turn him into an even bigger jerk (family newspaper) in the next 5 to 10 years as the accolades and lack of personal accountability mount.
Mike Trout, Derek Jeter, and David Wright are all class acts, on and off the field. Harper needs a big dose of humility or maybe several years of intense psychological counseling before anyone should mention him in the same sentence as those three. They are epitome of true stars and deserve respect. Harper still has a lot to prove.
Mike Trout, Derek Jeter, and David Wright are all class acts, on and off the field. Harper needs a big dose of humility or maybe several years of intense psychological counseling before anyone should mention him in the same sentence as those three. They are epitome of true stars and deserve respect. Harper still has a lot to prove.
4
I wonder if the author considered after rereading this that he seems to be suggesting that what Papelbon did would somehow be more acceptable if he had attacked a lesser player.
3
Lerner and the GM have been making so many questionable big-dollar deals that haven't paid off - think Werth, Papelbon, and Rafael Soriano - that I stopped rooting for this hometown team after Tyler Clippard was ditched.
I couldn't be more happier with the results this year. They deserve it.
I couldn't be more happier with the results this year. They deserve it.
It's beginning to look like no team with Bryce Harper is going to win anything significant. Add Steven Strasburg to the mix and it's almost certain.
1
Those of you complaining that harper didn't run full out on the play, please don't forget to criticize cespedes, ortiz, and others who routinely fail to give full effort. Whether you like it or not, Bryce harper is clearly the best player in baseball. The fact that the nationals are going home is not his fault. Just ask yourself what could harper have done that he didn't do to help the nats win. Without harper, the nats are the Phillies plain and simple.
Papelbon should never again play for Washington. A disgrace to the uniform and to the game even though there have been fight before. This was thuggery.
1
I guess his idea of "playing the game the right way" is to blow two saves and loses two games while his team is in the pennant chase in late September.
2
The glaring difference between Bryce Harper and Mike Trout (well, one of many) is that Mike Trout would have been halfway to 2nd base by the time the LF caught the ball...
1
I don't like when players don't hustle. Kinda makes me wanna not watch.
2
I thought there was no choking in baseball.
2
Mike Trout is the best player in baseball, not Bryce Harper. Not only is he more talented, he's humble and runs out every play.
2
Mile Trout and Bryce Harper are both tremendous players. Harper is 22 (a year younger than Trout) and is having a historically good season. Picking between them is like picking between Williams and DiMaggio or Mantle and Mays. I wish that either played on the Yankees.
This link http://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/WAR_bat_season.shtml might be interesting. It shows the top WAR seasons of all time. Harper's 2015 season is 44th on the list, behind only Mike Trout's 2012 season and ARod's 2000 season among active players.
As you might imagine, only the greatest players of all time appear in the top 50 on this list.
This link http://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/WAR_bat_season.shtml might be interesting. It shows the top WAR seasons of all time. Harper's 2015 season is 44th on the list, behind only Mike Trout's 2012 season and ARod's 2000 season among active players.
As you might imagine, only the greatest players of all time appear in the top 50 on this list.
2
It's not a matter of making a statement FOR one particular player or another. What Papelbon did would have been bad even if he did it to the worst player on the team. It's a matter of making a statement AGAINST that kind of behavior by anyone.
7
You're right, Rick. This article misconstrues a number of essential issues.
Papelbon's shortcomings as a player, a teammate and human being are pretty well documented. Before anyone (least of all a well paid sportswriter at the nation's most prestigioius paper) throws Matt Williams under the bus, shouldn't the front office that de-railed this franchise by bringing the guy on board at the trading deadline be taking most of the heat?
Secondly, what ever his native abilities, Bryce Harper is hardly Mother Theresa himself. The guy has been tagged with attitude and leadership issues throughout his MLB career. It was his team's virtual vanishing act in crunch time against the
Mets that did in the Nationals, not Papelbon's chokehold. And MVP-in-waiting Harper was perhaps the team's biggest no show.
Frankly, He has a lot more explaining to do that Matt Williams.
Papelbon's shortcomings as a player, a teammate and human being are pretty well documented. Before anyone (least of all a well paid sportswriter at the nation's most prestigioius paper) throws Matt Williams under the bus, shouldn't the front office that de-railed this franchise by bringing the guy on board at the trading deadline be taking most of the heat?
Secondly, what ever his native abilities, Bryce Harper is hardly Mother Theresa himself. The guy has been tagged with attitude and leadership issues throughout his MLB career. It was his team's virtual vanishing act in crunch time against the
Mets that did in the Nationals, not Papelbon's chokehold. And MVP-in-waiting Harper was perhaps the team's biggest no show.
Frankly, He has a lot more explaining to do that Matt Williams.
2
The reason Papelbon went after Harper is because Harper is a punk. He may be a great player, but he's still a punk, and he has been since he came up to the majors. Harper's the one with the personality problem.
6
Papelbon was always a hot-headed clown in Boston and elsewhere, needlessly escalating normal game interactions into playground confrontations. He's bad medicine everywhere he goes, and the Nats knew, or should have known, what they were getting. I'm glad he finally did something that showed his true colors to the world. I hate these chicken clown pitchers who feel free to throw at whomever they like based on some clown code of their own.
5
Blame Rizzo for the Papelpon trade. Blame Rizzo for also not dismissing Williams after a sweep by the Cardinals when Williams made some bad decisions on his bullpen replacements on field. The Nats had a chance to be in the run at that time.
1
At the same time, Harper needs to realize he is a role model, both for his teammates and for young fans. For the millions of dollars a year he earns he needs to show enough professionalism to run out likely outs such as grounders and fly balls. Otherwise, I agree. Williams needs to go, for numerous reasons. And so should Papelbon.
1
"I do not pretend to know the dynamics of the Nationals’ clubhouse...."
The most intelligent statement of Tyler Kepner's column.
The most intelligent statement of Tyler Kepner's column.
1
Matt Williams' decision not to immediately yank Papelbon after he tried to strangle another player is not only wrong as a matter of principal -- and it wouldn't matter if the guy whose neck Papelbon put his hands on was Bryce Harper or the batboy -- but also epitomizes what is terribly flawed about William's managment approach. He stuck with Papelbon because that was "the plan" - "he's the closer". Williams never deviates from his plan, regardless of the evidence of what was happening in real time right before his eyes! As a Nats fan, I say good riddance to both Papelbon and WIlliams.
5
This is so true. Even though hindsight is often too easy, there are so many examples of how Williams never deviates regardless of circumstances, that you realize how limited his judgment must be.
1
The article lost me when comparing Harper to Trout, Jeter or Wright. No disagreement that Papelbon is a mess and that Harper is very talented. But I would never want to have to build a team around a guy like Harper. You need better character players than that to build a great team. I think the Nats do reflect Harper, a ton of talent and no character.
I didn't like the tone of this article. So if Bryce Harper wasn't a star player, it would have been okay for Mr. Papelbon to attack him? What if Mr. Harper was just a journeyman player? Mr. Papelbon should have ejected by the coach no matter who he attacked. As a coach (or fan of the team), I would hope that the message is that we protect our whole team (not just the rising stars).
7
Two of the biggest jerks in baseball and Kepner sides with one of them, but I do agree with him about Matt Williams who should have immediately removed both from the game.
3
Awesome, the National's did not meet the writers expectations of winning the World Series, so the manager should be fired. The writer, on the other hand, should not suffer, will not suffer any consequences for making a horrible prediction.
4
best spoort article ever - really explained everything about pro sports - "The Nationals should give a clear signal of support for their best player..." - Its okay to beat up your girlfriend or wife, torture dogs... just don't beat up a star player, maybe you'll hurt them. I mean really, if he had beat up a player on another team or a lousy player it would have been okay, maybe the umpire or the bat boy - but really, don't touch the money player
I'll make sure to explain that to my youth players -thanks for clarifying the rile of the professional 'sportsman'
I'll make sure to explain that to my youth players -thanks for clarifying the rile of the professional 'sportsman'
6
To me, the headline and message of this article is wrong. It should have read, "Jonathan Papelbon Attacks Bryce Harper and Nationals manager sends a signal". By sending Papelbon out to pitch the 9th, Matt Williams clearly showed the sports world who he sides with in this altercation, and perhaps who he blames (rightly or wrongly) for the club's late season collapse. As Mr Kepner writes, we do not know what goes on behind closed clubhouse doors, but Williams, a former longtime major leaguer knew exactly what he was doing. Papelbon (like Williams) is a World Series winner. He's closed out huge games when they're been on the line. He (like Williams) knows what it takes to win. Thuggish or not, he was imparting hard learned wisdom on a younger player (who happens to the be the best player on the team, and therefore, whose performance will be modeled by other players). The unfortunate part of this story was that it took place in the public view of the dugout, opposed to the private view of the clubhouse. If the signal was received, look for Harper, and the Nats, to come out more fiery next year.
ps. Let's go Mets!
ps. Let's go Mets!
2
I'm curious to know why Tyler Kepner thinks he is qualified to make a statement suggesting that the Washington manager should lose his job? This article for the most part is a funny story and when you go an take the time to review the video that is availble on the MLB alone, my conclusion is that for the most part it is a non story and certainly not one where someone should lose their job. A funny incident about highly competetive athletes and what happens during a long hard season.
Perhaps this should be Tyler's last article.
Perhaps this should be Tyler's last article.
2
And, as a follow-up to my previous comment ... I am sure if you polled the Nationals' players, many would say that Harper deserved what he got. He's a punk ... giving him the MVP will totally expose the award for the sham it is - sportswriters just hand it to the guy with the biggest numbers, wow, that's imaginative. Where was Harper during the series with the Mets, oh-for-most of the series, until he hit a garbage time home run. They could have easily finished where they did without him.
Also, clearly he says something to Papelbon, which you clearly choose to ignore.
Also, clearly he says something to Papelbon, which you clearly choose to ignore.
2
" ...and his comments Saturday made him seem out of touch with the frustration of his fan base."
Oh, would that be the fan base for which this is the third shot at a team? The fan base that couldn't keep the Senators twice, that are now the Rangers and Twins? The fan base that received a franchise stolen from the city of Montreal? That after only ten years is "frustrated"? Please ... this article is so completely clueless and out-of-touch; how can one trust anything written in it?
I revel in the Nationals' problems. I watched the video multiple times, and I laughed and laughed and laughed.
Oh, would that be the fan base for which this is the third shot at a team? The fan base that couldn't keep the Senators twice, that are now the Rangers and Twins? The fan base that received a franchise stolen from the city of Montreal? That after only ten years is "frustrated"? Please ... this article is so completely clueless and out-of-touch; how can one trust anything written in it?
I revel in the Nationals' problems. I watched the video multiple times, and I laughed and laughed and laughed.
Suspend Papelon; fire the manager. Enough already with this horrid behavior.
Senior management is probably dysfunctional, too.
I remember back in early August when the Nats were "failing to put away the Mets", Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling remarked on a Mets telecast that there is something "terribly wrong" with the Nats clubhouse. They had no evidence to support it but could just tell by watching the team function on the field. Papelbon is an egomaniac, a hothead and a bully. He hasn't been that good since joining the Nats and his presence resulted in a demotion and deterioration for Drew Storen who was pitching well. Maybe Harper should have shown more hustle but it's a meaningless game and Papelbon is in no position to show up a player who has performed the way Harper has this season.
2
Some of these posts are mind-boggling. If you believe that Harper "deserved" this because you don't like his attitude, you're completely missing the point; Harper's attitude has nothing to do with this. Papelbon was flat-out wrong, period. He initiated the altercation by chirping at Harper before he even got back to the dugout. How did Papelbon suddenly end up being the team torch-bearer for "playing the right way?" Was he playing the right way when he grabbed his crotch after being booed off the mound in Philly last year? If he had a problem with Harper's lack of hustle, approach him in the locker room, NOT on the field, right after the play. And Matt Williams is as clueless as a cupcake to allow Papelbon to play after this, and then say that he didn't know about the altercation. Aren't you paid to know what's happening in YOUR OWN DUGOUT??? Bunch of clowns.
2
Talented and dynamic players like Bryce Harper, Yasiel Puig, and Yoenis Cespedes are exactly what MLB needs, and their occasional lapses in "grit" should be measured against their superior numbers and output on the field.
The incessant need of certain people to make sure that every player adheres to some cookie cutter "play the game the right way" mold (I thought winning was playing the game the right way?) is one of the reasons why MLB is behind the NFL and the NBA in interest among younger fans.
Interesting personalities need not apply.
The incessant need of certain people to make sure that every player adheres to some cookie cutter "play the game the right way" mold (I thought winning was playing the game the right way?) is one of the reasons why MLB is behind the NFL and the NBA in interest among younger fans.
Interesting personalities need not apply.
Winning baseball teams run out every hit. That's basic baseball. Papelbon wants to win too much. Just calm down and lose quietly.
2
That I can't figure out which of the two were "more wrong" (neither appear to be "right") makes me feel even better about breaking up with Major League Baseball three years ago. I can't believe this was my religion for most of my life. What a colossal waste of time. Drug enhanced men with the minds of children seeing who can out-cheat each other the best.
Tyler: I love your columns and your knowledgeable take on all things baseball, but in this instance I disagree with your assessment. Your complaint seems to be more about whom Papelbon chose to verbally upbraid - namely, the Nationals best player - rather than the cause. Yes, Harper's a talented, gifted athlete, and having a phenomenal year that finally evidences he's as great a players as he has always believed himself to be. Papelbon is decidedly old-school and resented Harper lazily moving toward 1B on a routine fly ball to the outfield. I could easily imagine Carlton Fisk, Jason Varitek, Jorge Posada, and several other old-school types doing the same. You compare Papelbon's actions against Harper by asking what if it had been a teammate of Mike Trout's or Derek Jeter's. But, neither Trout or Jeter ever played less than full-tilt and always showed respect for the game, their teammates, and the fans in every thing they did, no matter the score or importance of a game. Did Papelbon overreact? No question. But seeming to imply that there is or should be a double standard - one for your best players, and one for the rest - is wrong. There's a reason why Harper is not generally well liked by not only opposing players but also by his teammates, and it has to do with his attitude and egotism more than his work ethic.
2
I can't wait until Bryce Harper finally gets to be a New York Yankee. Spring 2019!
Another episode of vintage Papelbon, self-appointed arrogant commandant with no rapport with fans or teammates…; if you want to go down in flames just trade for Mr. Tirade, (aka Jonathan Papelbon).
1
It was poor timing and a bit excessive by Papelbon, but Harper deserved it.
2
Ring notwithstanding have you ever heard regret out of Boston that Pap is gone? One doesn't have to be in that clubhouse to see that Pap is a fool. If there is a hustle issue between players, there is a clubhouse for that. (See David Wright and Noah Syndegaard in spring training) But looking at the way Pap has previously conducted himself in public makes it hard to give him the benefit of the doubt. As for Williams, he takes cluelessness to a new level. Cut Pap, fire Williams and build a professional organization. Then maybe you'll win.
MORE thuggery in "organized" professional sports...?
And another "personality problem" (Papelbon) who has been able to get away with anti-social, anti-team antics for years because of his "talent"...?
I thought watching sports was supposed to be fun?
And another "personality problem" (Papelbon) who has been able to get away with anti-social, anti-team antics for years because of his "talent"...?
I thought watching sports was supposed to be fun?
10
Have you been watching Harper? This guy is nuts! Her runs into outfield walls for no reason other than to pass himself off as a hustler (how dubious is that word.) Gets thrown out of Grapefruit league games, and regular season games for arguing with a third base umpire over a check swing. Papelbon is no saint, but Harper did not run out that ball like he should and this is not the first time. But just like Brady, Lance Armstrong, and Mark McQwire, apparently its going to take multiple incidents for the media to start seeing Harper for who he really is; a spoiled me first athlete. Imagine, if Barry Bonds had done the same thing as Harper. The focus today would not be on his manager but on Barry for not hustling.
Yes, it's supposed to be fun.
I have made the acquaintance of several big time athletes. And the sad truth is, many of them are animals, particularly professional football players.
Anti-social is putting it mildly.
I have made the acquaintance of several big time athletes. And the sad truth is, many of them are animals, particularly professional football players.
Anti-social is putting it mildly.
2
I recall people screaming for blood when an NBA player choked his coach but when an MLB player chokes a teammate for not running , it's suddenly ok? There is no valid reason for choking anyone and Papelbon should have been benched for the rest of the game and the few remaining games of the season and fined to boot. Sometimes I don't get sports. The media carried on for days about Tom Brady failing to put enough air in a football. Really?
11
Are you saying there is racism involved? That incident, right in in NorCal is REALLY OLD NEWS! Coach and player are out of the game.
Evidently the author of this column does not understand something that most baseball fans understand -- great statistics do not make a great human being. I am no Papelbon fan, but Harper has consistently shown disregard for the spirit of baseball. Maybe Papelbon resents Harper's success, but maybe too he has a point. I see Harper as one of those superstars who will always manage to not win championships because he is lethal as a teammate. But maybe in terms of team revenue he is more valuable than would be a team that won in postseason. So of course everyone else on the team will be eligible for trade. He is just that important. Fortunately, I am a Pirates fan and Pittsburgh has a superstar who understands the spirit of the game.
9
Your vision of Harper is not remotely true. He has exactly the cockiness you would expect of an incredibly talented and successful young jock. That is not the same thing as being a terrible person.
Harper is successful, hard working, does everything the Nats ask of him with regard to media and fan events, and doesn't get mixed up in trouble away from the field. All of the controversy he is in involved in - and the bad press he gets - comes from older players' and reporters' irritation with his refusal to display the "yes sir, no ma'am" faux-humility that's expected of young players. And they talk people like you into writing off a 22-year-old as someone who doesn't have the character to win.
Harper is successful, hard working, does everything the Nats ask of him with regard to media and fan events, and doesn't get mixed up in trouble away from the field. All of the controversy he is in involved in - and the bad press he gets - comes from older players' and reporters' irritation with his refusal to display the "yes sir, no ma'am" faux-humility that's expected of young players. And they talk people like you into writing off a 22-year-old as someone who doesn't have the character to win.
"Papelbon was wrong because he attacked Washington's best player."
I think Pope Francis might have an issue with the part of the sentence that comes after "because..."
I think Pope Francis might have an issue with the part of the sentence that comes after "because..."
12
Kepner, I agree with your point: for Williams not to remove Papelbon after he launched a physical attack on Harper is inexcusable. But I'm puzzled by a piece of your argument: you seem to hold the position that this Papelbon's actions were particularly outrageous because it was directed at the best player on the team (perhaps the best player in the league). This is true, but irrelevant. You cannot have the players on your team brawling in the dugout. If one player launches a physical attack on another member of the team, the manager should eject the aggressor from the game, whatever the status of the player who has attacked. Every player on the team deserves to be treated with a certain measure of dignity. Papelbon's actions would have been equally egregious had he attacked a second string utility player.
31
Absolutely on the money. Papelbon is a bully and a bum. Was with Boston, Philadelphia, and, now, the Nationals. Who appointed him sheriff, a player with about a month in service with the Nationals? Why didn't Desmond, Scherzer, or Werth speak up against this? Papelbon should be shown the bricks immediately. Williams is going to be canned five minutes after the season ends anyway.
6
"Why didn't Desmond, Scherzer, or Werth speak up against this?"
Maybe they too subscribe to the ridiculous belief that a "star" does not have to hustle. Pete Rose would have killed him.
Maybe they too subscribe to the ridiculous belief that a "star" does not have to hustle. Pete Rose would have killed him.
1
Indeed, Harper often hustles TOO much ---which is why the Nats management asked him before the season to be somewhat more judicious in his seeming lack of concern for his personal well-being. In any event, Papelbon, a clubhouse cancer everywhere he has ever played, is certain not the appropriate messenger.
Fortunately many comments highlight that what was wrong was the attack by Papelbon. Whether the attack was on a star or lesser light is not important. Papelbon acted disgracefully and should be immediately suspended.
23
It seems not so much a matter of the team's best player being attacked but any teammate being accosted. Leadership is about inspiring an entire organization to work as one, making the last player on the bench feel as much a part of the team's success as its stars.
9
It's not 'just' an issue that Papelbon attacked the teams 'best player,' but it does reflect on both he and Williams - he should have been sent to the showers if he attacked anyone, but when he chokes the face of the franchise AND there are no consequences it looks THAT much worse..
3
It is a ridiculous premise that Papelbon should be gone because he attacked the Nats' best player.
He should be gone because he attacked another teammate, even if it was the worst player on the team.
Ridiculous!
He should be gone because he attacked another teammate, even if it was the worst player on the team.
Ridiculous!
16
Papelbon is in the wrong sport. He should be playing for the Raiders.
4
Twas the Super Blood Moon that made the Nationals go crazy!
7
Although he will probably (deservedly) win the NLMVP, Harper has attitude problems that will probably effect his career.
Papelbon is a tool , but he's a tool with one of those rings that Bryce demanded at the beginning of the season.
Oh and a nice touch was that their clueless manager did not see the fight.
The Nationals, after being eliminated Saturday night, went on with one of those walk off celebrations as though they had just won something more than a game from the crummy Phllies.
And even though he's having his best statistical season, classless Harper should never be mentioned in the same sentence with the always classy
Mike Trout.
Papelbon is a tool , but he's a tool with one of those rings that Bryce demanded at the beginning of the season.
Oh and a nice touch was that their clueless manager did not see the fight.
The Nationals, after being eliminated Saturday night, went on with one of those walk off celebrations as though they had just won something more than a game from the crummy Phllies.
And even though he's having his best statistical season, classless Harper should never be mentioned in the same sentence with the always classy
Mike Trout.
11
Agree with you, but perhaps someone should make sure that Harper gets some sort of shiny trophy as he leaves to go home after the season. Better than having him pout all next summer.
2
Papelbum actually said that he deserved to close an All-Star game instead of Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer of all time. What a creep!
9
Yes, he has cotton between his ears.
Manager Williams now says he was unaware of the severity of the tussle because he was at the other end of the dugout. Is this credible? Is it credible that no one would then approach the manager and TELL HIM what happened? I'm not suggesting anything here, just curious about a situation I've never experienced.
I completely agree with the author. Harper is the face of the Nationals franchise; and with good reason. He is having a historic season. At 22 years of age. He is leading the National League in average; is tied for home runs; and has the highest WAR in the game by a long way. And again, he's only 22. Matt Williams not sending a clear message with regard to Pablebon is inexcusable. Some might think that Harper is a spoiled player who doesn't hustle. First, the numbers beg to differ. Second, who cares? When you are that good and contribute that much, I think it's ludicrous to nitpick over Harper not running hard to first.
3
Palelbon is a tough thickhead at times and should not have physically attacked Harper. But Harper, being the next supposed coming of Mays, Aaron, whom ever, should run hard. If it was a lesser player I think the manager would have straightened it out instantly. Harper has been called out on this stuff before as pointed out in the article. When called out by Papelbon, I would love to know what Harper said to change the tone and have Jonathan go after him. I still think that one of the reasons the Yankees didn't go full tilt as resigning Cano wqay too many times he dogged it as to hustling on outs. Sometimes those supposed outs aren't outs but misplays and not hustling hurts the team. They get paid enough to put forth 100% effort. OK older, injured fearing more injuries I can excuse. A-Rod and Ortiz come quickly to mind.
1
Baseball has so many old school rules that need to be put out to pasture.
Intentionally beaning a batter because he "showed up the pitcher" is just dumb. Then the obligatory retaliation of hitting the opposing team best player is even more dumb. And they wonder why, other than perhaps fantasy following, MLB keeps losing ground to the NFL, NBA and soccer?
I thought going into this year, they asked Harper to dial back his aggressive playing on defense (tracking down balls even at the cost of running into the walls) so that he could stay healthy longer and be a force at the plate? Now Papelbon is giving him a lecture because he ran 75% on a routing fly out (mind you, he still made it to first base)? Papelbon should retire or go do middle relief for some obscure, struggling team.
The Nats didn't underperform this year year due to a lack of leadership of 22 year old Harper or Scherzer's mediocre finish. Until recently, Strasburg has had numerous ailments and pitched poorly most of the year. Pitchers Gio, Jordan Zimmerman and Fister have likewise taken a step or two back. Hitters Werth, Ryan Zimmerman, and Rendon have been on and off the DL and Desmond approaches hitting by swinging to either strike out or homer.
If the Nats don't want Harper, I bet 90% of the remaining ML franchises would trade for him.
Intentionally beaning a batter because he "showed up the pitcher" is just dumb. Then the obligatory retaliation of hitting the opposing team best player is even more dumb. And they wonder why, other than perhaps fantasy following, MLB keeps losing ground to the NFL, NBA and soccer?
I thought going into this year, they asked Harper to dial back his aggressive playing on defense (tracking down balls even at the cost of running into the walls) so that he could stay healthy longer and be a force at the plate? Now Papelbon is giving him a lecture because he ran 75% on a routing fly out (mind you, he still made it to first base)? Papelbon should retire or go do middle relief for some obscure, struggling team.
The Nats didn't underperform this year year due to a lack of leadership of 22 year old Harper or Scherzer's mediocre finish. Until recently, Strasburg has had numerous ailments and pitched poorly most of the year. Pitchers Gio, Jordan Zimmerman and Fister have likewise taken a step or two back. Hitters Werth, Ryan Zimmerman, and Rendon have been on and off the DL and Desmond approaches hitting by swinging to either strike out or homer.
If the Nats don't want Harper, I bet 90% of the remaining ML franchises would trade for him.
5
The 10% that wouldn't trade for him are the ones that win championships.
And where were the other team veterans?
7
Not that it would justify Papelbon's attack, but I'd love to know what Harper said to him as he was walking back to the bench. Does anyone think it was anything less than arrogant and provocative? Harper may be a rising superstar, but watching his demeanor on the field, you get the feeling that he's a little too full of himself, already.
As a Met fan, as much as I've loved having Cespedes on the team the last couple of months, it makes my blood boil (sitting in my living room!) when he fails to run out a weak grounder or a dropped third strike. Papelbon obviously needs some anger management/personal etiquette counseling, but there's a fine line between being a fiery competitor (good) and a hothead (bad). Considering the whole picture of how the Nats' season was ending up, with the intense frustration they all had to be feeling, an incident like this seems kind of fitting. That said, Papelbon took it to far, and management mishandled it badly. Shame all around. Harper included.
As a Met fan, as much as I've loved having Cespedes on the team the last couple of months, it makes my blood boil (sitting in my living room!) when he fails to run out a weak grounder or a dropped third strike. Papelbon obviously needs some anger management/personal etiquette counseling, but there's a fine line between being a fiery competitor (good) and a hothead (bad). Considering the whole picture of how the Nats' season was ending up, with the intense frustration they all had to be feeling, an incident like this seems kind of fitting. That said, Papelbon took it to far, and management mishandled it badly. Shame all around. Harper included.
4
Harper probably told Papelbon to shut up. And that is exactly what he merited. Harper had in fact run to first base. Papelbon was baiting Harper over a previous disagreement.
5
Sorry Tony R, I saw the replay. That wasn't running. That was a slow jog. And he would have been benched for it, as he has been in the past, if the fight hadn't happened. And the reason Papelbon was sent out is because his manager agreed with him.
i'm not a big fan of Bryce Harper. He's arrogant and before the Mets acquired Cespedes, clearly the best player in the division. What's to like about him? Preening after meaningless homers. That said, he and Ryan Zimmerman, were the most consistent and productive run producers on that team. And the poor pitching--inconsistent starting pitching, poor relief pitching--was probably the biggest reason they didn't win the division with the complementary hitters they had.
The fact is that the Washington Nationals had a very dysfunctional clubhouse. And a supremely inept manager, who never seem to be able to push any buttons to get the players to perform to their capabilities.
Papelbon was clearly the wrong person to be the enforcer of "playing the right way". That's the manager's job.
The fact is that the Washington Nationals had a very dysfunctional clubhouse. And a supremely inept manager, who never seem to be able to push any buttons to get the players to perform to their capabilities.
Papelbon was clearly the wrong person to be the enforcer of "playing the right way". That's the manager's job.
7
Harper must have thought he was running in one of those ridiculous giant-head president races they hold here in between innings. Yeah, the game didn't mean anything and we're not going to the playoffs but you're getting paid how much and you can't run 90 feet?
3
Derek Jeter and Yogi Berra they're not. The fish stinks from the head, and you have to look at really bad management, both in the dugout and upstairs, for the reasons this kind of thing happened, let alone was tolerated to the point of sending Papelbon back out to the mound. Dumb, and dumber.
7
Gee, Papelbon "assaulted" Harper? These are grown men -- or large adolescents anyway -- and given how much attention Bryce Harper has gotten for the idiotic things he's said before (remember Cole Hamels?) if he didn't understand Papelbon's message, he deserved the lesson. Even if you disagree, why should Williams pillory either of them? It's not like anyone actually got hurt for heaven's sake. The idea that Bryce Harper is really some kind of victim is simply laughable.
3
With john Rocker out of the league, papelbon might be the reigning king saying "idiotic things".
2
The only mistake Papelbon made was in apologizing afterward. He had confronted Harper for a legitimate reason: the hotdog didn't run out a ground ball. Papelbon was right. But it should have been Williams, the "manager" who had confronted Harper. It shouldn't have been left to another player. Williams is in the position of manager. It was his responsibility. And it is NO PLAYER'S team. The team is a collective number of players. Wiliams is a wimpy enabler...a baseball version of Seattle Seahawks' notorious enabler head coach Pete Carroll. The columnist was right one respect: there was an obvious opportunity here to send a message to Harper, and the rest of team, about being a professional at all times, regardless of the score or season record. And that opportunity wasn't fullfilled. Now everyone involved, and others, will be the worst for it.
6
Don't let facts get in your way of criticism of Harper. It was a high, medium fly ball to left field and Harper ran and touched first before turning to the dugout. But that's OK; the facts didn't support your agenda.
8
You don't know what you are talking about:
1. Harper did not ground out. He flied out. He did not fail to run out the at-bat: he got to first base (albeit not on a dead sprint).
2. Harper was actually playing in a meaningless game. Many stars who play most of the games in a season are allowed to sit out meaningless games at the end of the season. Harper was out there, playing the game.
3. Everyone on the team reported that Papelbon was at fault, and it is obvious from the video that Papelbon physically attacked Harper. Papelbon was not yelling at Harper because of his slow trot to first base, he was yelling at Harper because Harper had criticized Papelbon for throwing at Manny Machado during a previous game. Anyway, Papelbon has apologized to Harper and admitted he was in the wrong, so how you come out defending Papelbon is a inexplicable.
1. Harper did not ground out. He flied out. He did not fail to run out the at-bat: he got to first base (albeit not on a dead sprint).
2. Harper was actually playing in a meaningless game. Many stars who play most of the games in a season are allowed to sit out meaningless games at the end of the season. Harper was out there, playing the game.
3. Everyone on the team reported that Papelbon was at fault, and it is obvious from the video that Papelbon physically attacked Harper. Papelbon was not yelling at Harper because of his slow trot to first base, he was yelling at Harper because Harper had criticized Papelbon for throwing at Manny Machado during a previous game. Anyway, Papelbon has apologized to Harper and admitted he was in the wrong, so how you come out defending Papelbon is a inexplicable.
11
When did he apologize? I heard a long rambling speech that made no sense whatsoever.
Choking a player!? Seriously, it really doesn't matter if it was Harper or someone else, it was disgraceful. Unfortunately, players' contracts are written to cover all un-imaginables that the manager's hands were probably tied. That being said, the GM should find a way to protect the future (Harper) of his club. Disgraceful actions by an ex-Boston bully...
3
So your argument is because he is among thee most talented he should be immune from being called out by a player that plays the game all-out every time he takes the mound? One of these players has a World Series ring and was a crucial member of a great time. The other has been called out multiple times for being a spoiled superstar with often punkish behavior. I'd never say Papelbon was right but your position that the most talented get a pass because they are centerpieces is what promotes more spoiled athletes behaviors. Harper may have the same talent as Trout, Jeter, Wright but he is supposedly nowhere near the positive influences they are.
3
If this is what Papelbon does in public, what is he doing behind the scenes. Out of control, narcissist. Dang, I get paid nowhere near $11MM per year, and if I did the same thing that Pappelbon did to one of my office colleagues, I'd be escorted out and told not to comeback. But alas, as one's salary goes up, the need to follow rules of common sense decrease, proportionally.
It all makes sense now.
Sounds to me like Williams sees his demise as Harper and thus he made a conscientious choice to do nothing. This should facilitate Williams' next career: working the drive-through at McDonald's come Spring 2016.
Williams problem is not Harper. It is Williams' inability to manage a MLB team. Look at 2014 playoffs. Nationals lost due to bad decisions by Williams about when and which relief pitchers to field.
It all makes sense now.
Sounds to me like Williams sees his demise as Harper and thus he made a conscientious choice to do nothing. This should facilitate Williams' next career: working the drive-through at McDonald's come Spring 2016.
Williams problem is not Harper. It is Williams' inability to manage a MLB team. Look at 2014 playoffs. Nationals lost due to bad decisions by Williams about when and which relief pitchers to field.
4
Papelbon and the Manager should both be gone when the season ends. Apparently Matt Williams stated on ESPN that he didn't see what was happening. If he didn't, he should lose his job as it seemed like qutte a commotion.
2
"Papelbon went after the best player in the game," So if Papelbon would have gone have another teammate it would have been ok and there would be no problem playing him?
5
Boys being boys -- and that's the problem. Some of these players never got past being boys. Too spoiled with money and attention and fame.
One thing is for sure: You don't solve this by praising Harper as the "franchise" who in essence owns the team. By writing that, you're just spoiling him more.
One thing is for sure: You don't solve this by praising Harper as the "franchise" who in essence owns the team. By writing that, you're just spoiling him more.
1
Papelbon puts a choke hold on the team's superstar, league MVP, then goes out and gives up five runs. Asked how he felt after the game, "I've had better days," he replied.
If I were Denard Span, or Ian Desmond, or Jordan Zimmerman, I'd be scheduling a meeting with my agent ASAP.
1
I went to my first Washington baseball game in 1946 and have been a Washington baseball fan ever since, even when they had no team--I just dreamt a dream. The problem arose when Rizzo got Papelbon and allowed him to dictate that he would be the closer and get the credit for saves. This was done at the expense of Drew Storen who was then second in the league in saves. I immediately knew that this was a monumental blunder because it showed no respect, either professionally or personally, for Storen, And won the team went, right then and there. Get it right, people.
1
As a Phillies fan I have to say I wondered how long it would take before the Nationals would find out what a terrible toxic player they just acquired. Not
only is Papelbon unstable as a person, he is also an inconsistent closer. Statistics aside, we never felt confident when he would come in to pitch in the 9th, or the only thing we were confident about was that Papelbon would do something either inappropriate or unsportsmanlike. Phillies fans love to welcome new players and treat them with admiration and praise. I could name countless newly acquired players we cheered and revered, like Hunter Pence, Dominic Brown, Cliff Lee, the list goes on forever. Don't believe the hype about Philly fans, when it comes to the Phillies we are like loyal family and we show that love to the players always.
Papelbon had a chip on his shoulder from day one and was a cruel and anti-social as any player I can think of. Also, I noticed he wasn't that great of a
pitcher, often his wins had more to do with great defensive plays made in the field behind him, not strike outs. It has been said he is good with mentoring
rookie pitchers, so I will give him that, but I hope he keeps his toxic defensive
attitude in check around the other players. The Nats would be smart to remove
Papelbon from their team to show baseball that chocking someone, anyone, is
never OK, no matter the circumstance. Papelbon is a danger to the team and
sends a terrible message to young people with his bullying persona.
only is Papelbon unstable as a person, he is also an inconsistent closer. Statistics aside, we never felt confident when he would come in to pitch in the 9th, or the only thing we were confident about was that Papelbon would do something either inappropriate or unsportsmanlike. Phillies fans love to welcome new players and treat them with admiration and praise. I could name countless newly acquired players we cheered and revered, like Hunter Pence, Dominic Brown, Cliff Lee, the list goes on forever. Don't believe the hype about Philly fans, when it comes to the Phillies we are like loyal family and we show that love to the players always.
Papelbon had a chip on his shoulder from day one and was a cruel and anti-social as any player I can think of. Also, I noticed he wasn't that great of a
pitcher, often his wins had more to do with great defensive plays made in the field behind him, not strike outs. It has been said he is good with mentoring
rookie pitchers, so I will give him that, but I hope he keeps his toxic defensive
attitude in check around the other players. The Nats would be smart to remove
Papelbon from their team to show baseball that chocking someone, anyone, is
never OK, no matter the circumstance. Papelbon is a danger to the team and
sends a terrible message to young people with his bullying persona.
2
"I do not pretend to know the dynamics of the Nationals’ clubhouse, but typically, the hierarchy begins with a transcendent player like Harper — not a newcomer and bully like Papelbon, no matter his edge in service time. Preserving that order would seem to have demanded some form of punitive action on the spot."
What epically weird reasoning. Papelbon should be suspended because he attack a player higher in the hierarchy?? Frankly, I don't care whether it was the bat boy or the parking lot attendant that got shoved, hierarchy shouldn't have anything to do with anything in this situation.
What epically weird reasoning. Papelbon should be suspended because he attack a player higher in the hierarchy?? Frankly, I don't care whether it was the bat boy or the parking lot attendant that got shoved, hierarchy shouldn't have anything to do with anything in this situation.
3
Maybe the problem is that Harper is the Nationals's best player - and he is the sort of player who doesn't run out the play. As the article notes, Harper has had some time on the pine for not hustling before. And you know what... he'll be there again because of media coverage like this. Tyler Kepner picked Washington to win the World Series and he's blaming Papelbon??? They aren't in the playoffs because they don't hustle. Give me Papelbon and a bunch of hungry players any day
1
When you hire a cheating steroid user for your manager, what can you expect? Even worse the GM promised Papelbon automatic closer status over Drew Storen, who had been doing the job while the Nats still had a chance. I'd never seen that kind of promise before in this game.
Harper and his laziness should still win MVP.
Papelbon despite the suspension should be available outside the stadium for a high knee stepping tarp dance if anyone has a garden hose.
Harper and his laziness should still win MVP.
Papelbon despite the suspension should be available outside the stadium for a high knee stepping tarp dance if anyone has a garden hose.
This might be extending to Williams a generous benefit of the doubt, but it's possible that he sent Papelbon back out for the 9th as a punishment. Papelbon is one of those closers who dislike pitching in non-save situations. Anyway, it's fitting that he wound up as the loser.
As any witness to his tired antics can attest, Pap is a fraud. As an enforcer of team-first decorum, he is a joke. I wonder how he'd like to be scolded in public view on one of the many occasions in which he has shown his displeasure with a teammate's error, failed to cover first or back up another base, etc.
It's obvious that this altercation stems from Harper's unenthusiastic response to the HBP that got Pap suspended. But the oblivious pitcher had to trump up a self-righteous justification to get back at Harper. What a charade.
As any witness to his tired antics can attest, Pap is a fraud. As an enforcer of team-first decorum, he is a joke. I wonder how he'd like to be scolded in public view on one of the many occasions in which he has shown his displeasure with a teammate's error, failed to cover first or back up another base, etc.
It's obvious that this altercation stems from Harper's unenthusiastic response to the HBP that got Pap suspended. But the oblivious pitcher had to trump up a self-righteous justification to get back at Harper. What a charade.
2
I find the reasoning in this column almost as disturbing as Papelbon's actions. So it would have been fine if he had attacked a utility player or a clubhouse attendant?
5
I was totally with you in this column until you made it seem like it's because of Harper's status as a hot, young player that mattered. If player A attacks player B, player A should be punished, no matter who it is!!!
1
The world of sports does not need more coddling of its stars. Harper should man up Williams did indeed make a statement by keeping Papelbon in the game. Harper dogged it, dis not own up to it, undoubtedly cussed Papelbon out and got was coming. Man up young man.
1
Kepner gives short shrift to Harper's laziness on the bases. Papelbon was wrong to attack him, but was right to call him on his sloth. I am tired of lazy players who make millions, but can't run out a ball. What if the ball had been dropped or otherwise misplayed? I am disgusted with players who feel they're too big or important to run. This is epidemic in baseball. Pap was also right to apologize, but Harper should have apologized for his lack of hustle. I don't care how great of a player he is.
3
The most telling statement to me was that after the Nationals acquired Papelbon, their season spiraled out of control. Contrast to the Mets and the spark that Céspedes provided. There's more to it than just that in Washington, but what a difference chemistry can make.
Indignant baseball writers judging the players and managers?
Sort of like "indignant" news-readers.
Sort of like hyping the crowd and really "weasel-like."
Sort of like "indignant" news-readers.
Sort of like hyping the crowd and really "weasel-like."
1
What difference does it make that the person being attacked was a 'franchise' player? Grab any teammate around the throat and you oughta get your butt kicked by everyone else on the team. Papelbon was a problem everywhere he's been. Nothin' new here.
4
"There is hope in Washington" only until stars like Harper and Strasburg become free agents and run for the doors. And, they'll run fast.
1
Didn't get a chance to see this live, nor do I follow either Mr. Papelbom or Mr. Harper, so this is an opinion based on video and articles I read after the fact. Long story, short: there has to be something else going on here. Not running out a routine fly ball has its demerit points and getting chewed out for not doing it from teammates/coaches is not all that unusual. However, to have it escalate so quickly and violently tells me something was brewing and likely it has been brewing for a while. Both of these folks were just looking for an opportunity to get into it and the fly-ball run-out was the spark that lit the gasoline. What is troublesome is the lack of proactive managing and subsequent follow up to ensure that it does not happen again. That will be the key for keeping the team together for now and the future.
2
Perhaps Papelbon does not take stardom for granted. Perhaps Papelbon comes from a tradition where you don't take anything for granted like that a pop fly will be caught so you might as well not run it out. Perhaps Papelbon feels that hustling every time speaks to your respect for the game and for your team mates who might feel inspired to see you going as hard as you can all the time. Perhaps Papelbon thinks that is what makes for a winning team.
1
I watched Harper in community college ball- he was always a spoiled, arrogant jerk who taunted other players and displayed the worst sportsmanship I have ever seen. Have to wonder about his "innocence" in this...
1
When Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson went at it, Elston Howard stayed between the two of them. I guess the Nationals don't have a Howard. Harper will be back next year. Not Papelbon or the manager.
Those who denounce Papelbon might pause to contemplate what it must be like to spend 180 days on a playing field and clubhouse with an arrogant, self-possessed, non-hustling twerp like Harper. Papelbon showed amazing restraint.
Never mind that Harper is the team's greatest star, or that Papelbon shouldn't show disrespect to a more important contributor to the team.
The manager is supposed to lead the team and keep discipline in the ranks. If any player accosts a teammate during the game, no matter what the provocation, the manager must pull him from the game (or not send him in) and should send him packing from the dugout - simply as an immediate disciplinary measure, no questions asked.
It is inconceivable to me that Williams acted as though nothing had happened and sent Papelbon out to pitch. Incomprehensible. Papelbon should be suspended for the remainder of the season (even if the rules say that he must be paid his $11 million per year salary), and Williams should be fired immediately. Papelbon should be traded from this club during the off-season, and he obviously has anger-management issues that he must address somehow or other, probably best with guidance from a team leader at a new club.
The manager is supposed to lead the team and keep discipline in the ranks. If any player accosts a teammate during the game, no matter what the provocation, the manager must pull him from the game (or not send him in) and should send him packing from the dugout - simply as an immediate disciplinary measure, no questions asked.
It is inconceivable to me that Williams acted as though nothing had happened and sent Papelbon out to pitch. Incomprehensible. Papelbon should be suspended for the remainder of the season (even if the rules say that he must be paid his $11 million per year salary), and Williams should be fired immediately. Papelbon should be traded from this club during the off-season, and he obviously has anger-management issues that he must address somehow or other, probably best with guidance from a team leader at a new club.
1
Sorry. You folks who rag on Harp have it wrong. A Nats fan. Watching the game. Bryce was standing on first when the ball was caught not too far beyond the infield. No problem. He's a good kid and a good teammate - always supportive. You folks who only parrot what you read and hear the blowhards who are paid to fill air time with their drivel talk about don't see the nuances of the year's grind. The guy's on another level. His post-game comments were right on. He does give a rat's a$$ about Papelbon. His numbers are near Ruth, Bonds (even when juiced), Mel Ott and he's already put his hero, the Mick, a bit in the rear view mirror. He may play in NY one day. Your tune will change the day I hope he never arrives. Plays hard. Plays hurt. Doesn't complain. Doesn't make excuses. Doesn't drink. Doesn't smoke. Just wants to win. Your kid should be like him.
1
You should ALWAYS run hard to first base on a ground ball, unless you are advised by the trainer and or manager not to because of a physical condition. Williams always played the game right and in this case, Harper did not.
really?
i don't really follow sports anymore, but this is news?
i don't know the background info either. but, just reading and also watching the video has me a little surprised.
man, the writer of this article is reaching in my opinion. wonder how much experience he has with playing team sports. he writes pretty aggressively for something that wouldn't be that big a deal for baseball 'back in the day' or in my experience as an athlete in the 1960'/70's/80's.
not sure why i am writing this! lol
some sportswriters seem to have gotten too gossipy for my taste.
thanks for letting me complain. :)
i don't really follow sports anymore, but this is news?
i don't know the background info either. but, just reading and also watching the video has me a little surprised.
man, the writer of this article is reaching in my opinion. wonder how much experience he has with playing team sports. he writes pretty aggressively for something that wouldn't be that big a deal for baseball 'back in the day' or in my experience as an athlete in the 1960'/70's/80's.
not sure why i am writing this! lol
some sportswriters seem to have gotten too gossipy for my taste.
thanks for letting me complain. :)
1
The one thing that I didn't see commented on in this article was the reason that Jonathan Papelbon attacked Bryce Harper. For all we know, Harper was an instigator. If so, then the manager did the right thing. This is no different then what dog owners do when two dogs fight; you let them sort it out. Its like the prime directive in Star Trek. That said the manager you should have warned both of them or had a significant discussion with them in the clubhouse.
1
Welcome to Papelbon, DC. If you signed him to split the atom, or to lead in the clubhouse, or to point out to your kids as a role model, to to do anything besides throw a fastball over the plate on occasion, you've got the wrong guy. He is as one-dimensional a human being as the species ever produced.
1
This latest episode is emblematic of the 2nd half of the Nats season.
As a season ticket holder, i regretfully renewed the WS and 2016 as soon as I could - foolishly thinking that the World Series was an automatic, and good tickets would be scarce. should have held off - we would know somewhat after the August Mets sweep, knew for sure after the Sept Mets sweep.
Earlier I would have defended Williams; now I think not only should he go, Rizzo the GM should follow – don’t forget who is responsible for assembling a team; don’t forget who made the July moves that brought Papelbon here and demoted an excellent closer; don’t forget who is allowing certain players to pass into free agency and others to stay, justifying the latter because they added to the ‘clubhouse’ camaraderie.
It would be best if the owners moved quickly. I might add one other to their list – remove the senior management of the back office while the Lerner’s are doing their cleanup. I’m currently familiar how two of DC’s major pro teams relate to their season tickets and a long time ago I had season tickets to the Orioles. So – I’ve seen for a long time & 1st hand Nats biz office decisions, and see that they take their paying fans for granted. The other two (or actually three) never did.
As a season ticket holder, i regretfully renewed the WS and 2016 as soon as I could - foolishly thinking that the World Series was an automatic, and good tickets would be scarce. should have held off - we would know somewhat after the August Mets sweep, knew for sure after the Sept Mets sweep.
Earlier I would have defended Williams; now I think not only should he go, Rizzo the GM should follow – don’t forget who is responsible for assembling a team; don’t forget who made the July moves that brought Papelbon here and demoted an excellent closer; don’t forget who is allowing certain players to pass into free agency and others to stay, justifying the latter because they added to the ‘clubhouse’ camaraderie.
It would be best if the owners moved quickly. I might add one other to their list – remove the senior management of the back office while the Lerner’s are doing their cleanup. I’m currently familiar how two of DC’s major pro teams relate to their season tickets and a long time ago I had season tickets to the Orioles. So – I’ve seen for a long time & 1st hand Nats biz office decisions, and see that they take their paying fans for granted. The other two (or actually three) never did.
1
Very interesting. Tyler never played the game, did he? I bet if we made him a manager, Tyler would suspend Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb in the first ten minutes, and lose 113 games.
1
In the normal baseball hierarchy, an older, experienced position player would take the responsibility to talk to Harper about running out routine groundball outs - who knows, a bad throw, a dropped catch and you're standing on first base. Rarely, does this responsibility fall to a pitcher and never, ever does a relief pitcher talk to position players about their on-field failures. Their failures are all too obvious.
Of course, in the Nats case, there is no "senior statesman" position player to talk to Harper. The responsibility should fall to the manager or at the very least, a senior coach. It doesnt need to be loud or obvious but the message needs to be sent. The failure to do this is Matt Williams' fault and probably will, and should, cost him his job.
.I wonder if Harper had anything to say to Papelbon after his meltdown in the next inning?
Of course, in the Nats case, there is no "senior statesman" position player to talk to Harper. The responsibility should fall to the manager or at the very least, a senior coach. It doesnt need to be loud or obvious but the message needs to be sent. The failure to do this is Matt Williams' fault and probably will, and should, cost him his job.
.I wonder if Harper had anything to say to Papelbon after his meltdown in the next inning?
1
Way back when, Casey Stengel once told Billy Martin to start a fight just to shake up the slumping Yankees. Martin complied and slid hard into (I think) Dodgers second baseman Eddie Stanky.
For a 22-year-old, Harper is maturing quickly and is truly an amazing ball player, fun to watch and classier than many people want to give him credit for. But commenters are right that his status is irrelevant. On that video I see a vicious assault and Papelbon should absolutely be canned along with Williams, who apparently thinks wringing another man's neck is a normal expression of emotions.
1
Kepner apparently thinks it would be OK for Papelbon to attack a lesser teammate? That's just bizarre. I've never heard of a ball player being excused for getting physical with a teammate just because the victim wasn't a star.
Harper, undeniably, didn't play hard. It's the role of the veteran - like Papelbon - to call him out on it. Harper needed to apologize. Apparently he didn't, and questioned Papelbon's right to raise the issue. Veterans like Papelbon need to make young stars respect the game. They should be able to do it without getting physical in the dugout, but it has to be done.
Something tells me that a 'young Derek Jeter' or a 'young David Wright' had the sense to 'respect their elders' if they ever got called out for lack of effort.
The clubhouse 'hierarchy' doesn't so much begin with a transcendent player; it begins with veterans who understand how the game is played with respect. Bryce Harper is well on his way to being such a veteran, but he would do himself an immense favor if he spent a few years earning the respect he apparently thinks himself entitled to.
Harper, undeniably, didn't play hard. It's the role of the veteran - like Papelbon - to call him out on it. Harper needed to apologize. Apparently he didn't, and questioned Papelbon's right to raise the issue. Veterans like Papelbon need to make young stars respect the game. They should be able to do it without getting physical in the dugout, but it has to be done.
Something tells me that a 'young Derek Jeter' or a 'young David Wright' had the sense to 'respect their elders' if they ever got called out for lack of effort.
The clubhouse 'hierarchy' doesn't so much begin with a transcendent player; it begins with veterans who understand how the game is played with respect. Bryce Harper is well on his way to being such a veteran, but he would do himself an immense favor if he spent a few years earning the respect he apparently thinks himself entitled to.
This story reminded me that when Cliff Johnson attacked Goose Gossage in the Yankee clubhouse in the late 70's, Steinbrenner traded Johnson immediately thereafter.
Now there's strong management.
Now there's strong management.
1
Papelbon and Harper are perfect for each other. Both are self-absorbed punks without an ounce of leadership between them. Leadership isn't only about performance, Mr. Harper. Leadership is about setting the right tone, being accountable, and holding others to a high standard. Look no further than David Wright and Derek Jeter.
This kid can hit a ball, but a leader he is not. Papelbon isn't even worth discussing.
This kid can hit a ball, but a leader he is not. Papelbon isn't even worth discussing.
4
Just apply this behavior to your work place, if any of your coworkers attacked you like this, would it be ok? No. It should all be the same for sports....
1
Papelbon should be made inactive for the rest of the season and then dumped: traded, although I doubt many teams would want him; DFA'd; perhaps sent to AA Harrisburg and AAA Syracuse on "rehab" assignment all season. Harper plays hard, so hard that the team has warned him to ease up when he slides toward a right-field wall to catch a drive, as he did last week. Last time I saw him at CitiField, Harper patiently signed autographs for kids who lined from the fence all the way up to the lower concourse. During the same game, Harper walked from his left-field position to hand a baseball to a guy with a small child in his lap.
In all, Harper is a decent kid who plays hard, and who is having an MVP season. In old Washington Senators' terms, Harper is hitting with Harmon Killebrew power, hitting for average like Mickey Vernon and Sam Rice, and drawing walks like Eddie Yost. That's remarkable.
In all, Harper is a decent kid who plays hard, and who is having an MVP season. In old Washington Senators' terms, Harper is hitting with Harmon Killebrew power, hitting for average like Mickey Vernon and Sam Rice, and drawing walks like Eddie Yost. That's remarkable.
The manager should be the one to criticize a player's lack of hustle, not another player, especially one so recent to the team who carries a lot of his own baggage. Very bad situation in DC.
This team is based in Washington, they are acting exactly like the government.
5
"I think, in this game, the only thing you can truly ask for is to be on a team where you're happy being on. And being in an environment where you have a chance or an opportunity to win. And neither one of those two were able to be done for me with the Phillies, and both of those are the reasons why I came to Washington."
--J. Papelbon
--J. Papelbon
5
He's given up runs in five of his last 8 appearances. He helped massively to foreclose on the Gnats' opportunity to win.
seriously, most people commenting on here base their opinion about Harper from a few clips they see on ESPN. The kid is fantastic. No reason for all the nasty vibes everyone puts out about him. He is a fantastic player, plays hard and will be in the Hall of Fame one day if he can stay healthy.
14
Plays hard? Why was he punished in the past for the same thing, not hustling? Papelbon is throw back, closer to Gibson then pitchers of today as to throwing at hitters a homerun off them last time-up and always giving 100%, which is all he called Bryce on for not doing. Harper certainly has the potential to be a great one but he also seems to have attitude to put himself above the rest of the team or all of baseball. If it had been a lesser player not hustling what would have been done?
I see a few people here are complaining about Bryce Harper. I am a Mets fan. After the Mets clinched, Harper made a statement essentially congratulating the Mets for playing well, and added that he hopes they win the World Series.
Harper's statement showed good sportsmanship and maturity.
Harper's statement showed good sportsmanship and maturity.
41
"Harper's statement showed good sportsmanship and maturity."
Or a good publicist.
Or a good publicist.
1
...or it showed that he wouldn't mind ending up there once he becomes a FA.
1
Too much of this article uses the reasoning, "Papelbon was wrong because he attacked Washington's best player." Does it really matter that the victim was Harper? If Papelbon was wrong to mug Harper, he would have been wrong to mug anyone, even the batboy. The wrong was the mugging, not that the victim was a star player.
157
The real wrong was Harper not hustling to begin with. Jonathon called him on it, Bryce didn't like it, TOUGH. Not knowing what Harper said in return on being called on it, just might be the key.
There are two scales of evaluation here. One is 'wrong' and the other is 'stupid'. Papelbon scored high on both.
1
You are missing the irony of the incident. Yes, of course, it would have been wrong no matter who was on the receiving end, but it says something even more disturbing about Papelbon that he attacked the person who is probably most instrumental for the Nats success on the basis that he wasn't trying hard enough -- jealousy, spite, divisiveness, poor impulse control, whatever it was, it displays the opposite qualities of whatever you value in a colleague.
They are both arrogant spoiled jocks. I wouldn't want either of them on my team.
19
Right on Abo! It is the mugging that is wrong per se, not who you mugged. Mr. Kepner should be sending a clear cut message in his article.
The Nats are out of it. Papelbon should be told not to return for any more games this season, but should be paid. When the season ends, the Nats should fire Williams and trade Papelbon. I agree that neither should be with the team next spring.
16
in a game in san francisco eariler this year, Harper fouled a ball off his leg or foot and was clearly and loudly in big pain, and no one emerged from the Nationals dugout. The Giants announcers registered astonsihment over this, and made it quite clear to the listeners that something had gone very wrong in the opposing dugout. Harper is the best hitter in baseball, but he's still a few years away from being an MVP.
26
I predict he will be this year's MVP. He led the league in hitting and homeruns among other categories. I don't understand why he would be a few years away from the MVP.
I used to think baseball players, by the very nature of the game they played, were a cut above the utter thugs in football and basketball. This latest incident sadly confirms that I was wrong.
Today's players are spoiled prima donnas jacked up on steroids (no, MLB's testing policy has hardly put a dent in PEDs usage, witness Yasiel Puig and his NY alter-ego, Yoenis Cespedes.) There doesn't seem to be any manager who's willing to read these punks the riot act. Then again, how do you read a 24 year-old multi-millionaire the riot act?
Papelbon is a hot head, but Bryce Harper is certainly no angel. You can keep both of them. Where have the professionals gone?
Today's players are spoiled prima donnas jacked up on steroids (no, MLB's testing policy has hardly put a dent in PEDs usage, witness Yasiel Puig and his NY alter-ego, Yoenis Cespedes.) There doesn't seem to be any manager who's willing to read these punks the riot act. Then again, how do you read a 24 year-old multi-millionaire the riot act?
Papelbon is a hot head, but Bryce Harper is certainly no angel. You can keep both of them. Where have the professionals gone?
10
Ever hear of Joe Maddon and the Chicago Cubs?
Let's not forget that they are entertainers. That's all. They don't grow food for anyone, or save lives in an operating room, or put out fires. They don't even tell jokes to make us laugh. It can be argued that they are totally unnecessary. They provide some excitement and suspense in our daily lives. (That tells us something about our daily lives. Either they are much more boring than they used to be a couple a century ago or our expectations for non-stop exciting stimuli have gotten very high.) Why someone would get paid over $10000 (20% of the average American's annual salary) every single time he throws a ball (Mr. Papelbon averages about 1000 pitches per year) is something we who pay his salaries by buying tickets, souvenirs and most importantly, the products advertised during game broadcasts should ask ourselves. However, we the baseball fans apparently think he's worth it. Having gotten that rant off my chest, the article is spot on about what should happen. Criswell predicts (yes, I'm that old): The big baseball news on the day between the end of the season and the play-in games, October 5th, will be the firing of Matt Williams. The players are responsible for doing their best on the field. Mr. Williams hasn't thrown one pitch or swung one bat all season, but he is responsible for getting them to do their best over 162 games, to outperform what was expected of them, not seriously underperform. Was a good player, probably would be a good coach, not manager.
You are using an incident involving the games biggest jerk as proof applicable to an entire league's character? Yes there are prima donnas bred from the culture of kissing the behinds of star athletes from a young age exacerbated by their salaries. However to blanket statement a league is not proportionate. This incident is the exception not the rule. The nfl and nba are worse.
I still don't understand how professional baseball players don't hustle during every single play no matter what. If I were manager, and Harper or anyone else didn't run out a fly ball id send them down to Triple A for a couple days and make them pay the airfare.
21
what is the obsession with running out the ball at the professional level. There's a greater chance of it causing injury than leading to an infield single. 162 games is an extremely long season. If I was manager I would instruct my players not to run hard unless in certain circumstances (close games, etc.)
7
Thankfully, you're not a manager of the team I follow. By running out every play the runner has a much greater chance of turning an out into an opportunity than he does of getting injured. They are professional athletes, paid handsomely. They wouldn't need to worry about pulling a muscle if they busted it down the first baseline every time they hit the ball. Running hard puts pressure on the other team to make a play. By not playing at full speed you also give the other team a break. There are a hundred reasons why a professional baseball player should exert himself on every play and not one good one to justify not doing so. I'm not sure who is at fault in the National dugout but there is never an excuse for not running out a ground ball, unless your hamstring is hanging by a thread.
games at 6-0 that become 6-5 in the 8th inning just might be decided by somebody NOT running out something in the 3rd inning. Not running hard makes as much sense as not swinging hard or standing in at the plate because of possible injuries. Most players do hustle. Being older with a history of leg injuries OK. But somebody of Harper's age. There are quite a few of Harper's age who do always put out 100%. Yeah sometimes running hard to first base causes a leg injury, but so does swinging hard and standing in at the plate. They get paid enough to put out 100%.
You mean this Matt Williams? We love him in SF.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/11645702/matt-williams-d...
http://espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/11645702/matt-williams-d...
2
Just wondering how Yasiel Puig might fit into this mix. Maybe the Nats could replace Williams with Bobby Valentine.
Team is beginning to resemble hometown dysfunctional Congress.
Team is beginning to resemble hometown dysfunctional Congress.
12
At 22 Bryce Harper clearly lacks character and maturity to lead a major league team, no matter how much Kepner fawns over his stats.
23
I'm truly mystified as to how that's your conclusion when he was the victim of an assault here.
23
A victim of an assualt? You mean Harper was innocently walking by when Papelbon assaulted him? You have no idea what Harper said to Papelbon who had just chastised him for not hustling. I am not justifying Papelbon's lunge, but Harper is a jerk who needs to be confronted on his self- centeredness.
Harper is a very, very good player and indeed he was the victim here. But I agree that he lacks character and maturity. For the Nats to be successful and to get the most out of Harper's ability, they need a bunch of strong character, veteran players around him. And those good character players need to be supported by a strong manager and front office. Nats need to clean house and rebuild around Harper.
The guy should be in jail for assault and battery, what more evidence is needed?
11
Papelbon has always behaved like a punk throughout his not so stellar career. Matt Williams may be a nice guy (we always loved him when he played in San Francisco) but hasn't got a clue about managerial responsibility for enforcing discipline. This is not the first time he has appeared so clueless running the Nationals. It has been said that Harper needs to grow up some...he is a young ballplayer. But a journeyman bully like Papelbon isn't going to teach him the right way to behave. Obviously neither is Williams.
50
A guy with a lifetime 2.35 era along with 6 all-star games is hardly a journeyman ballplayer with a not supposed stellar career. The guy is 11th all time as to saves and has quite a few years left. If he gets 125 more in the next 5 years 9, that's 25 a year which has gotten 9 of the last 10 years even being with Philly part of it, where chances for saves were limited, would put him at 4th and a walk in into the Hall of fame. The guy basically has been with two teams Boston & Philly until the end of this season. Philly knowing they need to do a complete rebuilding from the bottom up and are years away from contention dumped him to save cash and to get a minor league pitcher for their rebuilding.
Papelbon has been a cancer for some time now. The Red Sox let him go when he was better than he is now and the Phillies had more than enough of him. That the Nats took him is testimony to their ignorance. That they let him continue to pitch after that insane behavior in the dugout is beyond belief. They didn't win their division because there is no team spirit there and that is because management is pathetic.
76
The Gnats are stuck with Papelbum's contract? That's hilarious. But they've also got 8 players who will be free agents after the season. The team needs to be remade.
Matt Williams was an honorable, tough player. He should've brought some of that toughness to the manager's office.
Bryce Harper is going to be NL MVP, but letting him not run out grounders? In that respect, Papelbum was right. But Papelbum isn't good enough to enforce that discipline.
Matt Williams was an honorable, tough player. He should've brought some of that toughness to the manager's office.
Bryce Harper is going to be NL MVP, but letting him not run out grounders? In that respect, Papelbum was right. But Papelbum isn't good enough to enforce that discipline.
14
At least Papelbom showed he cared. No one else on the team has the baseballs to say anything.
It certainly seems as though more should have been done. However, I don't think that Harper's "emerging superstar" status should have anything to do with it. I'd hope the Nats would take action against Papelbon no matter whom he choked.
36
And speaking of choking....a team effort
Is this an editorial? Because saying the manager should be fired is editorializing.
7
Yes, it's written in the first person. It's an opinion piece.
1
Editorials are written by the Editorial Board. This is the "On Baseball" column where Mr. Kepner gives his analysis and opinion on baseball. It's not a news article.
As noted in the description, "On Baseball" is a column. Columns generally include opinion.
And maybe this is why the Nationals aren't NL East champions. The Mets, even with later additions this season, play and respect each other as a team. Check your egos and anger at the door and play the game.
14
Appalling that Papelbon wasn't ejected and suspended immediately. If he did that to Harper on the street, he'd be having his mugshot taken as I type this. The team had been not great, but holding its own until he arrived.
I've tried to not blame MW this season, but the culmination of all his baffling decisions is setting in--he's not a creative, on the fly thinker and that is what a championship team needs. I've compared the 2015 Nats to the San Jose Sharks of last season. Both lacked heart and hustle when most needed, both crumpled with their backs against the wall, both had coaches that couldn't think outside of their small box.
I've tried to not blame MW this season, but the culmination of all his baffling decisions is setting in--he's not a creative, on the fly thinker and that is what a championship team needs. I've compared the 2015 Nats to the San Jose Sharks of last season. Both lacked heart and hustle when most needed, both crumpled with their backs against the wall, both had coaches that couldn't think outside of their small box.
16
Before the season, Kepner predicted the Nats to win the Series. Now he wants Williams fired. What is he--their owner?
4
Right now Bryce Harper is probably looking forward to free agency. Some of his teammates are looking to do the same.
The fans and the DC press corps must be at their wit's end.
The fans and the DC press corps must be at their wit's end.
2
So it wouldn't have mattered if Papelpon attacked a player who wasn't the franchise? This sort of dual track ethics is at the heart of many problems in sports and society.
40
OK, this time Papelbon was more in the wrong. However, I'll bet this isn't the first altercation between these two charmers and that Matt Williams took that into consideration when he left Papelbon in the game.
It may be "Harper's team," but so far his main "contribution" in the clubhouse has been his attitude, prompting managers Davey Johnson to retire and Matt Williams to likely lose his job. The bottom line is that both Papelbon and Harper are first-class jerks, birds of a feather. I wouldn't want either one of them on my team and I bet most of the Nationals players, along with Matt Williams, feel the same.
It may be "Harper's team," but so far his main "contribution" in the clubhouse has been his attitude, prompting managers Davey Johnson to retire and Matt Williams to likely lose his job. The bottom line is that both Papelbon and Harper are first-class jerks, birds of a feather. I wouldn't want either one of them on my team and I bet most of the Nationals players, along with Matt Williams, feel the same.
44
Are you crazy these Nat player love the Kid. Who won Saturday's night game, was it Harper? Now look at the games from May & June what player was a walk off hero in 4-5 games? What kid at 22 yrs old put's up the numbers that he's putting up. A 22 yr old should either be down in AA or AAA or even in Senior year in College? Think again Ceadan. Now look at the Great Ted Williams at 22 yrs old, would you not want him on your team?
The usual crew of idiots on MLB Network was already defending Papelbon here - as if not running out an easy out in a meaningless game means you deserve to be assaulted. Papelbon has proven himself to be a hotheaded moron many times before, and if the Nationals had any integrity they'd release him.
28
I am baffled by your lack of logic. You think Harper not running out an easy out in a meaningless game was an isolated incident? And that this alone was what provoked the lunge by Papelbon? I do not condone Papelbon's behavior but Harper has a reputation among balllplayers as being a self- centered jerk.
I was at the game with my 7-year-old son, and I had no idea what to say to him. Nationals should have met violence in the dugout with unequivocal condemnation. Talk about "keeping it in the family" without publicly denouncing the violence, because a player is valuable in a tie game, is just plain creepy.
39
Mary Beth, this sort of thing has been going on in dugouts since dugouts were first invented.
4
Young ball players watching MLB games see and asking themselves why did your own team member grab a team member by the throat for no reason. Wow I never ever saw a team mate grab and assault another player. MLB players need to shape up an play the right way especially for our younger players that mentor them.
We were there. We sit right by the dugout and saw Pap jawbone Bryce. as he walked back in. Bryce smiled like he thought it was a joke. Then they went out of sight, and the people in front of us jumped up yelling that they were fighting. I blame Rizzo for bringing in a known "cancer in the clubhouse." But Matt was horrifyingly wrong to let an assailant be rewarded with a chance to close the game after he attacked ANYONE physically, whether it was our most productive and hardest working player or not. They simply have to DFA him and eat the salary. I thought the worst day in Nats history was when the Mets got Clip and we landed Pap the next day. Nope. THIS was the worst day. Matt let us all down, but most especially the 39 other Nats roster players. Jonathan Papelbon should never play for an MLB team again. If he stays playing for us, this 10-year STH is walking. And I bet I'm not alone.
52
...after he attacked ANYONE physically, whether it was our most productive and hardest working player or not.
I strongly agree with this and find the implication by many sports writers today that the important thing was that Harper is the future of the team, a franchise player, etc. as, frankly, relevant at all. Mr. Harper did not endanger Mr. Papelbon or his family or teammates physically in any manner. What other provocation warrants a physical assault, regardless of whether the guy hits forty homers or four?
I strongly agree with this and find the implication by many sports writers today that the important thing was that Harper is the future of the team, a franchise player, etc. as, frankly, relevant at all. Mr. Harper did not endanger Mr. Papelbon or his family or teammates physically in any manner. What other provocation warrants a physical assault, regardless of whether the guy hits forty homers or four?
1
This mimics the chaos in Washington.
$11,000,000.00 for this bum?
$11,000,000.00 for this bum?
2
It doesn't matter that Harper's the star. Papelbon has no business putting his hands on his teammate, any teammate.
75
I don't remember Papelbon choking Manny in Boston when he wasn't running out fly balls or ground balls.
39
Ramirez had won a World Series. Harper hasn't earned the right to dog it.
I think Williams absolutely sent a signal by sending Pap out there to get rocked and booed. It's not hard for a catcher to tip a batter off as to what pitches are coming, making it much easier to tee off on him, I wouldn't doubt that something like this happened.
10
My head is still spinning that Washington trotted Papelbon out to pitch the 9th. In the business world we call that a gross leadership failure. Matt Williams has to go. Immediately. Papelbon right behind him. The man assaulted Bryce Harper. Wow.
15
I am a Nats fan and I agree with this column. Harper is our future. I have been impressed all season with his growth as a ballplayer. The team would have collapsed much earlier without the year he had. Papelbon is a hired gun whose best years are behind him. By all appearances he has damaged the chemistry of the team although I would not go as far as blaming him for the August/September collapse. 2016 was probably going to be a rebuilding year with all the free agent departures. I have no problem with letting him go.
4
"Papelbon literally strangled the best player in the game, the 22-year-old superstar whose emergence has been by far the best thing that has happened to the Nationals this season. And he got away with it."
I'm curious, if Harper was not, in your words, a superstar, would you have felt that strongly about one player assaulting another?
I'm curious, if Harper was not, in your words, a superstar, would you have felt that strongly about one player assaulting another?
9
Seems a 'transcendent player like Harper' needs a bit of a lesson a Jeter, a Berra would never have needed: not once but twice a lethargic run to first. But then he is not in the world of those two, transcendent as he may be
6
Early in Berra's career he did not run out an obvious out. One of his teammates (unfortunately I do not remember who) asked him: "What's the matter kid, are you sick?" From that Berra learned to run it out even if it seemed like an obvious out. No one assaulted him.
absolutely right.
Bryce Harper publicly congratulated the Mets upon their title, and said he wanted them to win it all because they represented the NL East. That is class, maturity and good sportsmanship beyond his years. Papelbon physically attacked his teammate for a lack of hustle. What a jerk. I wouldn't care if he were Mariano Rivera. He'd be out of my clubhouse for good.
40
Thank you. Very well said.
Harper is the bomb. Reminds me of Pete Rose and has the talent of Micky Mantle. All these Harper haters have not watched him play much because if they did, they would have mad respect for the kid.
Why would Williams and his coaches permit Papelbon to freely shoot off his mouth like that? Perhaps they were too busy considering when next to send Anthony Rendon up to bunt.
1
Keith Hernandez said on the air a couple months ago that there was something not right about the Nats, something he could not define, or could not speak about, something that clogged their ability to win, when they have the elements of a heck of a good team.
Well any team with Jason Werth, even when he his hitting under .250, is potentially a winning team. Take away the loud mouths and sometimes things perk up.
Not running out ground balls is something a lot of players are guilty of lately there's one on the Mets, for sure.
Well any team with Jason Werth, even when he his hitting under .250, is potentially a winning team. Take away the loud mouths and sometimes things perk up.
Not running out ground balls is something a lot of players are guilty of lately there's one on the Mets, for sure.
3
The Nationals knew what they were getting in Papelbon. He's an obnoxious boorish dolt in DC just as he was in Philadelphia and Boston. He wore out his welcome in both cities yet Washington took him on because of his ability 90% of the time to close out a baseball game. The teams put up with him because he is a very good pitcher. I'm amazed that someone who writes about sports would be so agitated about this latest incident and be calling for the firing of the manager as a result considering the number of boorish dolts who populate all of sports and are tolerated because the can play their particular game well. Papelbon is just the latest sports figure whose behavior is tolerated because of what he can do.
5
I'm a somewhat casual Nats fan so don't know all the dynamics nor about Williams in particular.
Clearly, though, the Nats need someone who can properly organize and motivate a roster of extremely talented players. Why have they imploded? Would a different manager have produced a better outcome? I don't know, but it seems to me the most logical place to start.
Clearly, though, the Nats need someone who can properly organize and motivate a roster of extremely talented players. Why have they imploded? Would a different manager have produced a better outcome? I don't know, but it seems to me the most logical place to start.
3
Are you suggesting that if Harper -hadn't- been "the best player in the game" the attack wouldn't have been just as objectionable?
65
This story makes it seem like the fighting is only a problem because Harper is a budding star. The behavior is ridiculous no matter who Papelbon attacked. He should have been taken out of the game for physically fighting with any teammate.
14
I'm a Nats fan, and have defended Matt Williams to critics for much of this season, but no longer. To have allowed Papelbon to continue after his assault on Harper was hardly managerial and barely human. Yes, the Nats didn't live up to the hype this season. I now understand why.
12
I really have trouble viewing this as seriously as Mr. Kepner. Such things are common in baseball, and Harper was dogging it. Best thing to do is let the Nat's clubhouse deal with this one. "Off with their heads" isn't the answer.
2
It seems to me that the key line in the story is "I do not pretend the know the dynamics of the Nationals' clubhouse". And not knowing any history between the two men, I'd be less inclined to be judgmental about the incident or the managers' reaction.
3
As a longtime Nats/Senators fan, I'm disgusted with Papelbon's atrocious behavior. However, I think I'm more upset that he would be allowed to continue pitching while Harper left the dugout. There is something terribly wrong with that picture.
6
Papelbon, like Curt Schilling, whether he is in DC, Philly or Boston, is a cancer on each clubhouse he joined. I agree, get rid of this thug and his coach. I also think criminal assault charges should be brought against Pap. Baseball's integrity depends on it.
8
As Nationals fans, we agree that Matt Williams' decision to not remove Papelbon from the game (and suspend him for the rest of the season, after Papelbon choked an honest and honorable team mate in the dugout is the last bad decision he should be allowed to make in D.C. Regretably, Mr. Williams is not smart enough, does not have enough common sense, and does not have enough baseball sense to manage a professional baseball team at a professional level, much less manage a team to its potential.
We now hear that Mr. Williams would not have sent Mr. Papelbon back to the mound in the 9th if he had been aware of the seriousness of the fight, but he was unaware because he was elsewhere in the dugout at the time. This makes Mr. Williams a fool.
Mr. Papelbon needs to go. Now. He is not a team player. He is a bad and stupid person. He is not a player we want on our team.
Neither Mr. Williams nor Mr. Papelbon should be allowed in Nationals Park for Monday's 3:05 make-up game against the Reds, Neither one should ever wear a Nats uniform again.
We now hear that Mr. Williams would not have sent Mr. Papelbon back to the mound in the 9th if he had been aware of the seriousness of the fight, but he was unaware because he was elsewhere in the dugout at the time. This makes Mr. Williams a fool.
Mr. Papelbon needs to go. Now. He is not a team player. He is a bad and stupid person. He is not a player we want on our team.
Neither Mr. Williams nor Mr. Papelbon should be allowed in Nationals Park for Monday's 3:05 make-up game against the Reds, Neither one should ever wear a Nats uniform again.
5
To me, the weirdest of this incident's many weirdnesses is that Williams benching Harper but leaving Papelbon on the field actually implies that he approved of the attack. Not in a "rid me of this meddlesome priest" way, but more in a sense of 'We gotta take this kid down a notch or two." I've always liked Matt Williams -- until today -- and now I strongly suspect his entire baseball career is ended.
16
Something tells me that anyone managing the Nats would want to take Harper down a notch or two. People compare Harper to Jeter or Trout, but those guys didn't show up opposing pitchers by blowing kisses to them after hitting home runs. They didn't walk around calling people clowns, they didn't grab their crotches and yell at opposing players, and they sure as hell didn't conduct press conferences by ridiculing reporters and their questions.
Harper has done all of those things and more. He's had a breakout year, but it hardly matters when his team has performed abysmally. In the preseason he was talking about easily winning a ring this year. Now he and his teammates are going to be spectators in the playoffs. Bryce Harper has a lot to learn.
Harper has done all of those things and more. He's had a breakout year, but it hardly matters when his team has performed abysmally. In the preseason he was talking about easily winning a ring this year. Now he and his teammates are going to be spectators in the playoffs. Bryce Harper has a lot to learn.
GM Mike Rizzo is the one who brought the Papelbon poison to the Nationals. He should be the first to be shown the door, followed by Papelbon and Williams.
Williams' managerial style can best be summed up when one recent evening I switched off the Nats in disgust and put on PBS' "The Civil War," just in time for a discussion of Union Gen. George McClellan.
Williams' managerial style can best be summed up when one recent evening I switched off the Nats in disgust and put on PBS' "The Civil War," just in time for a discussion of Union Gen. George McClellan.
5
Dude, it doesn't matter that Harper is a star. That attack is totally outrageous no matter who the victim is, or what his batting average happens to be.
30
Papelbon should be fired not because he attacked the Nationals' best player. Would it follow that he should be allowed to continue pitching in the same game if he had attacked a bad player? Is it only because he attacked an excellent teammate that he should face serious consequences? These questions answer themselves.
7
this behavior is pretty rare in baseball especially compared to the NFL and NBA … guess that makes it newsworthy …
Is it not possible that Williams sent him out there not out of support but to let Papelbon implode for all to see?
Williams not only sent him out there, he left him out there while he was obviously struggling. Williams hung five runs and a loss on his closer.
In either case, it is horrible managing. Just different versions of horrible managing.
Williams not only sent him out there, he left him out there while he was obviously struggling. Williams hung five runs and a loss on his closer.
In either case, it is horrible managing. Just different versions of horrible managing.
5
It shouldn't even matter if Harper is their star—attacking *any* teammate like that should be grounds for Papelbon's immediate suspension.
18
Geez Kepner. Don't you have enough to do telling the Mets what to do and licking your wounds when you are rightly ignored. You gotta get involved with the Nationals as well? Go run your fantasy team and leave Baseball to the professionals.
3
Jonathan Papelbon's 2015 stats to date: 58 games, 24 saves, 55 Ks, 1 utter, asinine, live-on-TV lapse in judgment.
2
I beg to differ. Just the other day he threw at Manny Machado's head twice, hitting him on the shoulder the second time. He was immediately ejected from the game and has been suspended by MLB for three days (but is appealing). I am an Os fan and was watching the game. He threw right for Machado's head because Machado had hit a go-ahead homer during his prior at-bat. He obviously has serious anger-management issues.
As a Nats fan, I agree completely with Mr. Kepner.
3
Excellent commentary! Papelbon should be gone, as, apparently, should Williams.
3
Jonathan Papelbon appears to have anger management issues.
5
A loose cannon on deck and his enabler. Both must go buh bye.
3
test Papelbon for steroids
he's choking teammates and beaning opponents
sounds like roid rage to me...
he's choking teammates and beaning opponents
sounds like roid rage to me...
9
I'm a Nats fan, but I won't attend games next year if Papelbon is still on the team. The fans themselves need to take a stand on this.
5
Is anyone else bothered by how this column keeps referring to how Papelbon attacked the Washington's "best" and "franchise" player? Would it be too much trouble to drop the caveat? I'm sure the author doesn't condone any conduct like this at all. But the way he repeatedly refers to Harper's exalted status nevertheless implies that Harper's skill or notoriety has anything to do with how ok it was for him to be assaulted. Would it have been more permissible for Papelbon to have clubbed the batboy?
108
Had Papelbon attacked the bat boy, I am reasonably sure the story would have noted that "he attacked the bat boy." But because he attacked their best player, the story notes that "he attacked their best player"
See how it works?
See how it works?
Pap's brain was not on the game when he out to the mound scored tied and gave up another homer on a wrong pitch whatever. Williams should have brought in another pitcher.
That's not what he said, it's just even MORE apparent that Williams is a dunce for allowing the face of the franchise to be assaulted and make no move to reprimand his attacker in front of the team - in other words if he gets away with doing this to a league MVP candidate, what does this say to the 2nd string players?
Really? This behavior is only wrong because Harper is the team's star player?
The journalist here is hinting that bullying is sometimes okay while at the very same time criticising Matt Williams for spinelessness in controlling on the team. Sounds like this writer hasn't accepted a zero-tolerance stance towards this sort of bad behavior either.
The journalist here is hinting that bullying is sometimes okay while at the very same time criticising Matt Williams for spinelessness in controlling on the team. Sounds like this writer hasn't accepted a zero-tolerance stance towards this sort of bad behavior either.
8
I'm a Mets fan and do not care for Harper. But if DC wants to get rid of him, I'm sure a place would be found in Citi Field for his "not playing the game the right way." Hope you enjoy golfing in October, Nats.
4
am I reading this correctly? Tyler Kepner appears to not so much be faulting a player for resorting to violence as faulting a manager for allowing the player to subvert team "hierarchy" and "order." Kepner focuses on Harper's star status, as if that makes a physical assault more heinous. I don't understand this animalistic line of thought -- has Kepner been watching too much Game of Thrones?
10
Does Tyler Kepner think this wouldn't be such a big deal if Papelbon had attacked a journeyman?
There is no place for one player physically attacking a teammate in baseball, regardless of whether they are a star or how long they've been playing (fighting the other team is a different matter, though nothing to be proud of). It shouldn't matter who the players are.
Papelbon should be fined and suspended for the rest of the season and let go, as well as Matt Williams. A 3-game suspension is a joke.
Many professional athletes are admirable people. Many are not people you'd want your kids to emulate. Papelbon sounds like a goon, and the Nationals should say good riddance.
There is no place for one player physically attacking a teammate in baseball, regardless of whether they are a star or how long they've been playing (fighting the other team is a different matter, though nothing to be proud of). It shouldn't matter who the players are.
Papelbon should be fined and suspended for the rest of the season and let go, as well as Matt Williams. A 3-game suspension is a joke.
Many professional athletes are admirable people. Many are not people you'd want your kids to emulate. Papelbon sounds like a goon, and the Nationals should say good riddance.
5
So, what started out as a season filled with hope and ended in utter chaos, this is what it comes down to: Papelbon with his hands around Brice Harper's throat? And Matt Williams then let Papelbon go back out & pitch the remaining inning? This is classic Matt Williams: one bad decision after another--in this case, one REALLY bad decision! If the Nationals' owners don't send Williams (and Papelbon) packing as soon as the season actually ends, they will send an unmistakeable signal to National baseball fans: the Nationals' owners are not serious about fielding a professional caliber (championship?) team in this town. Williams inherited a team that GM Mike Rizzo and Manager Davey Johnson groomed & prepared meticulously. In year one (2014), Williams was the NL Manager of the Year (did anyone inquire if he remembered to thank Davey Johnson?); in year two (2015), his limited--nearly nonexistent--managerial skills emerged. The results speak for themselves; every Nats fan in DC--and across the country--will be watching closely to see what the owners do.
6
"Nats fans across the country?" That's a stretch, no?
1
So the Nationals have an $11 million angry toddler on their team. Lucky them.
5
So it would have been all right for Papelbon to attack a lessor player?
Your column sounds like you need someone to blame for your prediction going wrong.
Your column sounds like you need someone to blame for your prediction going wrong.
7
Let's not be so quick to absolve Harper of blame. Papelbon was wrong, but at 22 Harper already has a reputation as probably the biggest jerk in the MLB. He's awful to reporters, he's disrespectful to opposing players, and oftentimes he plays as if hustling is an inconvenience to him, as if his $5 million salary isn't enough to justify putting in a complete effort.
This is the same guy who said "Where's my ring?" last year when the Nationals picked up Max Scherzer. Well, Bryce, first you have to make the playoffs, then you have to actually hit in the playoffs, and somewhere along the line you'll have to realize that this is baseball, and you cannot simple Jordan your way to championships by force of will. You need your teammates. You need the respect and cooperation of your teammates, and that's hard to earn when you play as if hustling is beneath you.
This is the same guy who said "Where's my ring?" last year when the Nationals picked up Max Scherzer. Well, Bryce, first you have to make the playoffs, then you have to actually hit in the playoffs, and somewhere along the line you'll have to realize that this is baseball, and you cannot simple Jordan your way to championships by force of will. You need your teammates. You need the respect and cooperation of your teammates, and that's hard to earn when you play as if hustling is beneath you.
28
T. Cavendish, you are simply making this stuff up. Reporters who cover him for the Post have not complained at all and if you watch any of his games(i doubt you see him unless he is playing the Mets or the Yankees) you will see him joking around with other players when he is on base. As for hustle, I have never seen a player since Pete Rose bust his butt on the bases. He has had a season for the ages and you think he is a slacker?
Puhhhleeeeze.
Puhhhleeeeze.
1
Nailed it!
Also, comparisons to Trout and Jeter are out of line. Neither of these guys have ever gotten themselves tossed out of an important divisional game, as Harper did earlier this season. Bryce has a lot of growing up to do before he's going to be any kind of leader.
Also, comparisons to Trout and Jeter are out of line. Neither of these guys have ever gotten themselves tossed out of an important divisional game, as Harper did earlier this season. Bryce has a lot of growing up to do before he's going to be any kind of leader.
I agree that Papelbon exceeded his job description in criticizing Harper and, after the altercation with Harper, should have been removed from the game by the manager. I understand, however, that since no relief pitchers were warmed up at that point, the manager had no choice but to let Papelbon continue to pitch in the top of the ninth. A messy, and unnecessary, scenario.
3
Since five runs were scored on Papelbum, it seems unlikely that any other member of the Gnats' Arson Squad could have done worse. Sometimes a manager has to take a stand. If not then, when?
1
That Papelbon would attack Harper is atrocious behavior though about the same as throwing needlessly at a batter in the middle of a pennant race, but that Papelbon is allowed to continue pitching after the attack or really after throwing at the batter is beyond understanding. Washington is a team with no standards of behavior at least for Papelbon, no understanding of what a team actually is.
The problem obviously goes beyond the manager. Where are the general manager and principle owner? Baseball is supposed to be a team sport, at least beyond contract negotiations.
The problem obviously goes beyond the manager. Where are the general manager and principle owner? Baseball is supposed to be a team sport, at least beyond contract negotiations.
86
Rumors have been going around all year that Bryce Harper is a locker room problem. Papelbon was doing what a vetern has to do from time to time.
3
Great comment.
Actually, Papelbon does understand what a team is. He's played on teams who were serious world series contenders. Red Sox and Phillies have a high level of team discipline. Players have been benched for not running out a fly ball. Harper is talented but he's lazy. And that's because he plays for a team who has no idea how to make it to the post season let alone be a WS contender. Papelbon's behavior was uncalled for but understandable to people who really understand the game. As for drilling that other player for the HR, he's not the only pitcher to take revenge on a player at the plate. If he intended on hitting that, he should have been suspended and that goes for every pitcher.
1
Also, let's stop making a big deal out of this run out every play very hard mentality. It is just dogmatic and won't stand up to any statistical backing. No, to be successful, you have to work hard and work smart. Pops are dropped very very rarely, and them affecting the outcome of a single game probably even rarer, let alone increase the chances of a team trying to reach the post-season. It is just one of those absurd baseball practices that belongs to a different era. I don't have a problem with Cano or Harper giving up on a few almost assured outs, and I don't care if a little leaguer imitates them.