Will fans forgive Jonathan Papelbon in 2016?

A new year has arrived, but the slate has not been wiped clean for the Nationals. The hangover still lingers from the embarrassment of Jonathan Papelbon's very public dugout brawl with Bryce Harper. For many fans, the headache began when general manager Mike Rizzo opted to acquire Papelbon from the rival Phillies at the trade deadline to take over closer duties from Drew Storen.

Papelbon's arrival wasn't welcomed just because he was bumping the homegrown right-hander Storen out of the way; he was also carrying a heavy reputation as one of the game's most volatile personalities. But consider that Papelbon pitched in the highest of pressure situations in two turbulent baseball cities - Boston and Philadelphia - before arriving in Washington.

The memories of Papelbon's goofy Irish jig on the field after closing out Boston's 2007 World Series championship were later suppressed by his disrespectful crotch grab aimed at the booing Phillies fans after blowing a save at Citizens Bank Park in 2014.

But inside clubhouses, Papelbon has gained the respect of teammates as a tough competitor over the years. In the months since his fight with Harper, several Nationals veterans - including Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman - have dismissed the skirmish as a distraction, saying it was over quickly.

Once Rizzo fired former manager Matt Williams and hired Dusty Baker, it seemed his next order of business was shipping Papelbon out of town. But the closer's $11 million price tag in 2016 and no-trade protection haven't made it easy on Rizzo. And though top relievers like Aroldis Chapman and Craig Kimbrel have been on the move this winter, the Nationals are still left with Papelbon with less than 50 days remaining until pitchers and catchers report.

Will fans accept Papelbon in a Nationals uniform next month in spring training? Surely, the images of Papelbon's left hand clasped around Harper's throat will surface everywhere. Questions of team chemistry will be re-visited once again. And then there is the projected embarrassment of opening day at Nationals Park on April 7 when fans would undoubtedly boo Papelbon during pregame introductions on a day aimed to be the highest of celebrations on the home field.

But how long will fans' disgust for Papelbon last? Is it a case of winning cures everything? If Papelbon regains his dominant form and the Nationals build a sustained first-place lead, will all be forgotten?

Maybe it will take a public endorsement from Harper. The 23-year-old Harper showed leadership by reaching out to the 34-year-old Papelbon early this offseason. Rizzo reportedly still pursued trades for Papelbon after the make-up session.

If Harper and Papelbon can coexist, will fans accept the closer?