It's time for Nationals to end the embarrassment with Jonathan Papelbon

NASHVILLE - Fifteen days ago, the Nationals tweeted a sweet happy birthday wish to Jonathan Papelbon, who turned 35. The felicitations seemed a bit bizarre from the Nationals, but they extend such nice sentiments to all their players. The move wasn't popular with the fan base that wants Papelbon's brief tenure in Washington annulled like a weekend Vegas wedding. Just forget about it and move on. The harmonious message apparently wasn't recognized by the disgruntled closer either.

Papelbon has reportedly filed a grievance against the Nationals for withholding his salary during a team-imposed four-game suspension at the end of the season. The 35-year-old was suspended without pay for instigating a fight with Bryce Harper in the dugout and then eventually choking the slugger during the melee in the eighth inning of a loss to the Phillies on Sept. 28. The bizarre part of the ugly sequence was former manager Matt Williams actually sending Papelbon back out to the mound to pitch the ninth inning after he was pulled off Harper by several players and coaches.

Papelbon subsequently surrendered a two-run homer, giving the Phillies a 6-4 lead, then was removed after allowing three more runs to cross the plate. It was the last time he put on Nationals uniform in 2015 and likely the last time ever. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo announced a four-game suspension without pay the following day.

The Nats punishment of Papelbon piggybacked a Major League Baseball-imposed three-game suspension the veteran right-hander received for beaning Orioles All-Star third baseman Manny Machado on Sept. 23.

A day after the brawl, Harper spoke of Papelbon hopefully helping the Nats win a World Series in 2016. A few weeks ago, Rizzo told reporters that Harper reached out to Papelbon during the offseason. All that seemed like lip service in an attempt to clean up Papelbon for a trade. And that was reportedly high among Rizzo's plans to get accomplished at this week's Winter Meetings.

But what can Rizzo truly expect back from another team for Papelbon after this latest move from the closer? Papelbon was owed $13 million last season, nearly all of which was paid for by the Phillies as part of the trade agreement with the Nationals. The amount Papelbon is seeking from Washington is around $285,000. Seems a bit ridiculous, but Papelbon's point is that a precedent doesn't exist of a player having his salary withheld for a team-issued suspension. Or maybe his point is to make life even more miserable for the Nats to force his release, take the $11 million he's owed in 2016 and then have the opportunity to sign with any team willing to take on his services.

That's the best move for Rizzo and the Nationals at this point. Cut bait. Any trade figures to be lopsided, with the Nationals likely receiving far less value for Papelbon while probably paying a sizable chunk of the $11 million he's owed. Rizzo will try to find a trade partner this week, but if nobody bites, how much longer will the Nats allow the image of Papelbon, with his hand on the National League MVP's throat to smear the franchise?

It's a tough pill for Rizzo to swallow after making the unpopular decision to trade for Papelbon, bumping homegrown closer Drew Storen back to a setup role after a stellar first half of the season. The shakeup affected the entire Nationals bullpen, which suffered miserably down the stretch. Storen fell apart and Papelbon only went 7-for-9 in save chances with a 3.04 ERA in 22 appearances.

End the embarrassment swiftly and work some winter magic to acquire an imposing closer. Bad memories in sports can be fleeting - if the right moves are made to correct them.