Philadelphia RP Papelbon praises Phillies fans

Jonathan Papelbon has already endeared himself to Phillies fans without throwing a meaningful pitch. Papelbon, the former Boston Red Sox closer, had high praise for Philadelphia fans, even though he's only been with the team a few months. ''The difference between Boston and Philadelphia, the Boston fans are a little bit more hysterical when it comes to the game of baseball,'' Papelbon said in a radio interview with Philadelphia's 94-WIP. ''The Philly fans tend to know the game a little better, being in the National League, you know, the way the game is played. I've had a guy take of his prosthetic leg and throw it in the bullpen in Boston.'' Papelbon signed a $50 million, four-year contract with the Phillies in November, the richest deal ever for a reliever. He was a four-time All-Star in seven seasons with the Red Sox, and helped them win the 2007 World Series title.