Jonathan Papelbon felt the need to apply the Washington choke-hold on Bryce Harper in the dugout on Sept. 27.

Papelbon ripped Harper for not hustling down the first base line following a pop-up. Now before the season even began in April, the Nationals were a postseason lock and no question had the best starting rotation in baseball.

Seven months later, the Nationals have been eliminated from playoff contention and emotions are spilling over. Not because of Bryce Harper, though. Harper is the National League front runner for NL MVP and rightfully so.

Yet, this trade deadline acquisition in Papelbon felt the need to rip the man in late October while Harper’s team has completely under achieved and will be watching postseason baseball from the comfort of their thousand dollar couches.

Papelbon was wrong for his role and his actions cannot be justified. Yes, I’m defending Harper.

Papelbon should be fired right along with the skipper Matt Williams.