Death, Taxes, and the Rollins Issue
I'm probably in the minority, but I'm not a huge fan of stuff like this Jimmy Rollins issue, where the reaction to the story ends up becoming a bigger deal than what was actually said in the first place. In the clubhouse at Petco Park the other day a cameraman walked around asking every Phillies player he could find what he thought the reaction to Rollins would be at Citizens Bank Park today. I know Cole Hamels had a lot of things on his mind, but I can guarantee you Rollins' impending homecoming was not one of them.
Death, Taxes, and the Rollins Issue
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
I'm probably in the minority, but I'm not a huge fan of stuff like this Jimmy Rollins issue, where the reaction to the story ends up becoming a bigger deal than what was actually said in the first place. In the clubhouse at Petco Park the other day a cameraman walked around asking every Phillies player he could find what he thought the reaction to Rollins would be at Citizens Bank Park today. I know Cole Hamels had a lot of things on his mind, but I can guarantee you Rollins' impending homecoming was not one of them.
That said:
The Rollins Issue -- I will henceforth refer to it as "TRI" -- is unavoidable. Like it or not, the fans and the media decide what is and what isn't a big deal, and the overwhelming response has held TRI to be right up there with the Georgian-Russian Conflict.
A couple of guys over at a blog called "We Should Be GMs" have decided the best way to handle TRI is a little bit of reverse psychology. They've started a little endeavor called The Campaign Cheer. Essentially, they want everyone out there to cheer every single thing that happens today in the Phillies' series-opener against the Nationals. I think this might be a little tongue in cheek, but here's the link.
To be honest, I'm interested to see how the crowd receives Rollins. If he is booed, his overriding point will ultimately be proven. Last year, he was a hero in this town. I'll say this though: if people do boo him when he is introduced, then they should also boo him when he hits a home run, or steals a base, or scores a run. Otherwise, you'll be exhibiting the exact "frontrunning" that Rollins was railing against.
I think we should boo him and then throw batteries at him like we did to JD BOOOOOOOO!— maximusud- It's amazing to me how everyone says he's not a leader on this team. He's the only one standing up for his teammates with his comments and he's the only I see talking during pitching conferences...When the pitcher is running into difficulty he's the one going and talking nobody else from what I'm seeing. Now how many times have we seen Utley running out a pop up with his head down no mention of that though...Now the only thing to do is get behind this team and cheer for them as best we can!!!— DaFranchise
- I'd like to know what it takes to make a post to this article that isn't wiped out by I don't know who. I thought we still had freedom of the press.— Wally 24
- Can we not let this issue die? This has gotten blown way out of proportion.— phigglesfan75
- Boo the media. Is it me, or does David Murphy look like he borrowed that suit to attend his fraternity formal. And what is with the palm trees?! Boo, baseball media nerd, BOO!— bobcitydoc
- He chose to use the media to boo us. Shame on him. We already have an unwarranted reputation because of the New York media. None of us can speak to that medium. Our only way to speak is to boo him for what he said. This is not about his play anymore. One of our beloved players went to our enemy to complain. Again, shame on him.— paulie
- all said and done he makes more money than all of us combined. u think he really gives a $hat if fans boo? he's laughing all the way to the bank if he stays here or if he leaves. at the end of the day, that's what matters. get a clue people, save you breathe.— cscokid
- Bob - I actually bought that suit for my junior high dance. The ironic thing about this whole discussion is that Rollins is actually one of the most fan friendly of the Phillies. He's always outside signing autographs during spring training and is at ease cahtting with whoever happens to be thrust in front of him - individual, group or otherwise.
- Booing is older than you are. The fans paid good money to be there. I say they can boo whom ever when ever for what ever. If they play like they have played since after the ALL STAR, what are you suppose to do to wake them up; cheer when they pop up on a 2-0 pitch. They havem't been able to hit a fly ball for a RBI and not a A.B. for a long time. Hell, its been a long time since a runner has been on third base with less than two outs. forever it seems.— wes
- Yo, this is sooo old. Dave, face it the media decides what's a big deal and y'all have been all over this. I'm glad they're home and we can see him booed and move on. Can't wait for his taped message before his 1st AB, should be a classic.— PhillySubsMac
- Hey Jimmy !! Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo !!!— jclemas
- no...— jaydes
- The fans at the game tonight should have some fun with this. Like, how about staying absolutely silent on every play he is involved in. Just eerie silence. His reaction to something like that would be priceless.— cnova000
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