Generally speaking, I cringe when pro athletes are asked about the fans, especially the fans in Philly. To me, those questions are posed only to prompt athletes to say foolish things, and most of the time, they're wise enough not to take the bait and rip the fans who help to pay their salaries.But Jimmy Rollins rarely censors himself.
Rollins and Ryan Howard were in-studio guests on last night's episode of "The Best Damn Sports Show," which is filmed in Hollywood. At one point, they were asked if Philly lives up to its reputation as the most unforgiving sports town. I'm trying to hunt down the video, so I can post it here for y'all to see (if you haven't already). But, for now, here's the transcription of Rollins' answer:
"It can be, yeah. There are times, like, it's one of those cities. I might catch some flak for saying this, but, you know, they're front-runners. When you're doing good, they're on your side. When you're doing bad, they're completely against you."
When the show's co-hosts argued that many cities fit that description, Rollins said: "I hear you. But, for example, Ryan is from St. Louis, and St. Louis, it seems like they support their team, they're out there and encouraging."
So, what do you make of that?
***
Hard to find a more crushing defeat for the Phils this season than last night's. They led 6-1. They lost 7-6. And, now, they're back in a first-place tie with the Mets, and the Marlins are still on their tail, 1-1/2 games off the pace.
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Once again, the Phils scored all of their runs on homers. And, once again, they didn't muster any offense after the early innings. In fact, Pat Burrell's double in the fifth was the last hit they got all night. But don't count on the Phillies getting help from Gary Sheffield or Raul Ibanez.
Sheffield, who likely will clear waivers today, told reporters in Detroit that he doesn't expect to be traded. His $14 million salary for next season all but guarantees that he won't be, unless the Tigers are willing to pick up most of that money. Ibanez, meanwhile, also is expected to clear waivers today. And while the Phils certainly might make a claim and try to work out a trade (Ibanez did break into the majors with the Mariners while Pat Gillick was the GM there), this report out of Seattle indicates that Ibanez's likeliest suitors may be the Rays and Jays.
9 comments:
Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy...what has happened to you? I want to forget his whole season so far.
We LOVED Jimmy Rollins last year. We cheered him like there was no tomorrow. For some reason this year he decided that he wasn't going to be as good as last year. I think it is a direct correlation to the fact that he is ONLY making $7 million this year and $8 million per year in his contract that goes through 2011. He is not hustling out EVERY play. As a leadoff hitter he doesn't walk. He doesn't bunt. He doesn't work the pitch count. He is doing great in the field but at the plate he is horrible and you can tell in his demeanor that he doesn't care. So to that, of COURSE we are going to boo your little backside. You are stinking up the joint and you don't care. So why should we care?!?!? We will see you next week when you come back to Philly. We will show you what it feels like to be completely against you!
Wow, talk about poor timing and just what this team does not need. There is some truth in what Rollins says - and it certainly is in contrast to what the players say in the team commercials, which have struck me as kind of saccharine - but Rollins is unwise to make this comment, this season, in the team's current slump. Thanks for making me even more wary of watching tonight's game, Jimmy. I rarely look forward to an NFL preseason game, but I'll be watching the Eagles, not the Phillies, tonight.
What's the matter Philly fans, truth hurt?
Phillies and eagles fans are all front runners and always have been. No surprise here. And by the way, Mcnesby, it was reported that Rollins is shaking in his boots at your comment
JHT - big threat. Eagles start at 8 and Phillies at 10. The fb game will be mostly over but you can brag that you boycotted the Phillies game on late TV.
Hero.
Hassan,
No boot shaking necessary ... Phillies fans have always loved Rollins. However he is now turning his back on his team, his manager and now us. He wants to get out of town for a new contract.
St. Louis fans are great. They cheer for their team in the 8th inning of a 20-2 rout.
Philly fans like players whose desire and passion for the game match theirs. 2007 Jimmy Rollins had that fire, 2008 Jimmy Rollins does not. Just because he doesn't care anymore doesn't mean that we shouldn't.
Wow i guess the MVP thing went to his head. Where is the MVP this year. I have no compassion for these multi million dollar players who don't do there jobs. The only passion my boss shows me is a pay check every two weeks. Thats for doing my job that i was hired to do. A fraction of what these over payed players make.Hey charlie, if you are out there ,i will play for 1 million a year and probably do as good as Mr. MVP.(at least i will run out all of my hits)
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