Jonathan Papelbon bashes the Phillies

The Nationals and Phillies are set to open a three game series today, which means their former closer Jonathan Papelbon is back in town. He signed a four-year contract worth $50 million during the 2011 offseason, but was traded this year due to Philadelphia's desire to rebuild.

In 174.2 innings with the Phillies, Papelbon saved 88 games against 11 blown saves, and posted an ERA of 2.27, an FIP of 2.89, and a SIERA of 2.93. He was one of the premier closers in the game, but Philadelphia never won more than 81 games during Papelbon's tenure with the team.

In his first interview back at Citizens Bank Park, Papelbon didn't have kind words for the Phillies. When asked what he meant when he said he was one of the few guys that wanted to win, he placed blame on the entire organization.

"Yea well when you've got one guy that's going down to Triple-A, one guy that's coming back from Triple-A next week, you've got different positions every week. That for me wasn't a formula for winning. We just had too many non-regular guys in there, and granted we did get hurt. But we didn't have the personnel, the leadership, the A-to-Z to win. It was felt all throughout the clubhouse, felt all throughout the stadium I believe."

Papelbon went on to say that the organization simply didn't pay attention to what he had to say, despite wanting to be a leader. He likely could have gone on to say more about the Phillies, but unfortunately a Nationals media relations official cut off the interview.