Papelbon Gets His Mad Money, Doesn't Bitch About It

Jonathan Papelbon signed a 1 year deal with the Red Sox for a fat $775,000 today. Earlier in the week, Papelbon had told the media that if the Red Sox hadn't shown him the money, he'd be upset.

Am I missing something?

When did it become 'ok' for second year players to complain so much? It seems like it's become the thing to do this year. I don't remember reading anything about this kind of thing in years past. But apparently all the cool kids are doing it. Within the last few weeks, Cole Hamels, Nick Markakis and Prince Fielder have all bitched about not getting as much money as they feel they should.

Is anyone else surprised that BJ Upton took his contract renewal like a man and said that it was a non-issue and just seemed grateful for the fact that he's being paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to play a game for a living? I say good for BJ Upton. He gets a gold star. Same with Hanley Ramirez.

Look guys, I understand where you're coming from. I know it's not about the money, it's about the respect of having the team pay you as much as you feel you are worth. But what you have to understand is that your teams have no reason to give you more than they need to. They know that they're going to pay for it when you become a free agent. You can at least give them a year or two of bargain prices, right? And if you're going to be mad about not getting the money you think you deserve, at least keep your complaints private. Bitching to people at home about work is normal. Putting it in the press just makes everyone uncomfortable.

Complaining about your contract renewal when you knew darn well that you were probably going to be underpaid...it's the new black.