Feb. 4 -- J-ROLL MUM ON METS

BY SCOTT LAUBER

As we all know, Jimmy Rollins isn't shy. He never lacks opinions, and better still, he rarely keeps them to himself. It's what makes him so popular with the media and a frequent target of opposing fans. So, when Mr. Team To Beat and Chipper Jones participated in a conference call today to discuss the World Baseball Classic, many of us reporters thought there was a decent chance one or the other (or maybe even both) would have something juicy to say about the Mets or the NL East.

No dice.

"Being on the same team, you actually get to see and admire what a guy is like when you're in the same clubhouse," said Rollins, who will play for Team USA next month in the WBC. "You're not representing New York or Philadelphia. It doesn't matter who the guy on your left or right is. It's just Team USA. So, as for the Mets, that has nothing to do with the World Baseball Classic. I'll address that in spring training."

So, we'll have to wait a few more days for that.

It seems, though, that Rollins is genuinely honored to represent the U.S. He was among the final cuts before the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, and he mentioned today that he was under consideration for the 2000 Olympic team before being called up to the Phillies (he didn't mind not going to Sydney). So, Rollins insisted he doesn't particularly care that he'll be sharing the shortstop duties with Derek Jeter.

"Just to be on the team is enough," he said.