“If I Played For Cora I’m Drilling This Bitch” - Jonathan Papelbon Did Not Appreciate Yankees Outfielder Alex Verdugo Taking Shots At Alex Cora Yesterday
Diamond Images. Getty Images.Yesterday Alex Verdugo had his introductory media session as a member of the New York Yankees and proceeded to throw a few jabs at the Red Sox organization. One person in particular who received a blow was manager Alex Cora. Those two went at it a few times in 2023 which led to the outfielder falling out of favor with the team. Rumors of him showing up late among other stuff eventually led to his benching.
Yesterday Verdugo praised Aaron Boone for having his guys' backs and seemingly dissed Cora in the process. Current NESN analyst and former closer Jonathan Papelbon decided to chime in and called him a bitch.
Not gonna lie "Verdugo I mean Vertigo" made me chuckle. As for the rest? I mean Papelbon's history as a great teammate speaks for itself. Just the guy I want to hear from on this matter.
Few things….Maybe, just maybe this ignites what's been a rather dormant rivalry recently between these two teams? Let's get back to hating each other. The fans will always want each other dead, but the players are too buddy, buddy. Maybe Verdugo coming to the dark side and talking shit is what we all need to get the juices flowing again.
One thing that Verdugo mentioned that I think every Sox fan will agree with is his distaste for the way the front office has handled itself over the last few years. He called 2021's results an anomaly since everyone was clicking, but acknowledged 2022 and 2023's teams clearly needed more pieces that the front office refused to add. They promised fans they'd go "full throttle" this offseason and instead have done nothing. Of course the Yankees have their own issues, but Sox fans have to be furious with the direction Henry has taken them. The Cora stuff he might be off with, but Verdugo told no lies about the FO.
Verdugo is a wild card for this 2024 Yankees team. He's obviously coming off a rocky divorce with the Sox, but maybe a fresh start is exactly what he needed? A contract year player with motivation like this can be a fun player to have. There's for sure value in a high contact, above average fielder, who can surpass an .800 OPS when he's rolling. I think a player like Verdugo needs a winning, competing environment to keep himself locked in.
The Yankees were playing shitty first basemen in the outfield last season. Now they have real players. When Jasson Dominguez returns in the summer Verdugo will become the 4th outfielder on this team. That's legitimate depth compared to having Franchy Cordero on the roster for months like they did in 2023. Also worth noting that Verdugo will love playing for Boone because if he'll never be disciplined for lack of hustling. You just get pats on the back when that stuff happens. Here's to new beginnings Dugie!
