Paps took the podium for the first time as a Phillie and expressed his excitement of joining the squad after signing a four-year, $50,000,058 contract.
"I really admire the way they play and the way they grind it out, and I feel like the guys in clubhouse, the way they play the game of baseball, is the way I play the game," he said. "I am excited to meet the guys and go out and compete with them."
Paps, who set a Red Sox record in saves with 219, described what he brings to The City of Brotherly Love and how he ended up there.
"I'm the type of guy, I'm loyal to those who are loyal to me," he explained. "It really didn't boil down to going back to the Red Sox and seeing if they wanted me back. I knew these guys wanted me so there was no hesitation.
"We discussed a few other options … my agents called me every day [about] what could possibly happen," Papelbon added. "One day, I finally told him, 'I want to play for the Phillies and let's make it happen.'"
Check out the news conference below. Oh, and in case you're wondering, the $58 were added to the end of his contract because Papelbon wears No. 58.
