Papelbon cites Mariano Rivera--Commercial Dispatch

"The Boston Red Sox can thank a member of the New York Yankees for one thing.

• If it wasn't for a little encouragement from Yankee closer Mariano Rivera, Jonathan Papelbon may not have developed into the type of pitcher capable of finishing a World Series game with a save for the Red Sox.

Already a pretty good closer himself, Papelbon felt the need of getting a little advice from Rivera during the 2006 All-Star Game.

• “Even though he plays for the Yankees, I sat down and talked with him for about an hour after the All-Star Game was over and just tried to pick his brain,” Papelbon said. “At the end of our conversation, he said, ‘Pap look, you're going to follow me, but you are going to do it for a different team and just always remember that closers have to have a short term memory. You have to walk into the office the next day (after you blow a save) and act like nothing happened.' I've kind of taken that approach.”

Papelbon, a former Mississippi State pitcher, was introduced to the Humphrey Coliseum crowd during Tuesday night's basketball game against Kentucky."....

• From article in The Commercial Dispatch by Danny P. Smith, "Papelbon Can Thank a Yankee for Advice," 1/16/08

P.S. No mention of Goose Gossage. (sm)

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