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Thursday, July 24, 2008
Rollins Shows Up Late, Benched

Charlie Manuel has two rules:

1. Hustle
2. Be on time.

Jimmy Rollins has broken both rules this season, the lastest came today when he showed up about an hour before the Phillies' series finale against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium. Rollins, who was benched earlier this season for not running out a pop fly, said he didn't agree with Manuel's decision this time. Here's some of what he had to say to reporters in the hallway outside the visitor's clubhouse:

Q: What happened?
A: I showed up after the bus, a little bit about an hour before the game.
Q: Why?
A: You can say traffic, but that really doesn’t change anything.
Q: Disappointed?
A: No, I mean, it’s the same thing I do all the time. I usually leave about 10 minutes after the bus as usual if I drive myself, but you can’t change lights and stuff. Oh well.
Q: Did you understand?
A: Well, we’re not going to agree on this one. I agreed with him last time, but we’re not going to agree on this one. I think he understood that, and I understood it. But he’s the manager. He has to set a precedent for certain players and you’re expected and held up to those rules, and that’s fine. 
Q: If you don't agree, can you get past it?
A: Am I going to let it bother me? No, it’s already done. Me and Charlie spoke about it. It’s done.
Q: Was part of the decision that you’re a leader?
A: That was 100 percent of the decision. That was the complete decision. As I said, I understand. That’s part of it.

Posted by Todd Zolecki @ 4:45 PM  Permalink | 59 comments
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Comments
Posted by RAS 04:01 PM, 07/24/2008
That's why they have a team bus from the hotel, so players aren't late. Duh! No excuse, guilty as charged. Bailiff, take him away!
Posted by Bryan 04:10 PM, 07/24/2008
remove your head from your behind, Rollins. -edited for the kids
Posted by Truth 04:22 PM, 07/24/2008
There is no excuse for Rollins in this case. Unless your leg is falling off, be on time or air your grieveance if you have one. For a pivotal game like this you must be on time...
Posted by James TL 04:38 PM, 07/24/2008
Rules are rules Jimmy! Is it so hard to follow them or do think you are too cool? This is a disgrace from a MVP. This team is going nowhere. I'll be glad to eat those words come October but I doubt I'll have to. Rollins is this team's leader. The rest of the players look up to him. No wonder the whole team looks like they're not trying. It starts at the top.
Posted by James TL 04:38 PM, 07/24/2008
Rules are rules Jimmy! Is it so hard to follow them or do think you are too cool? This is a disgrace from a MVP. This team is going nowhere. I'll be glad to eat those words come October but I doubt I'll have to. Rollins is this team's leader. The rest of the players look up to him. No wonder the whole team looks like they're not trying. It starts at the top.
Posted by RAS 04:44 PM, 07/24/2008
So supposedly Charley calls Jimmy into his office today and says, "So what is it with you Rollins, ignorance or apathy?" Jimmy says, "Coach, I don't know and I don't care."
Posted by beeron 04:50 PM, 07/24/2008
can somebody remind this guy he isnt Ricky Henderson?
Posted by scotty82 04:55 PM, 07/24/2008
I've been saying all year it was the right thing to do not to overpay for Rowand. His leadership could be replaced. Well, I must now admit I was wrong. If we had Rowand still, he'd be up in Rollins' face today, if not weeks ago, telling him he better shape up and take his head out of his you-know-what. This team lacks that character. And sense of urgency. Blow it up
Posted by Joe Mastronardo 05:00 PM, 07/24/2008
Manuel is a buffoon. Long live the "new" Jimmy Rollins! This bunch of bums isnt worth his time!
Posted by brady 05:27 PM, 07/24/2008
NEVER would have happened if Rowand were here. How much of our lethargy is the result of no one stepping up to lead this team?
Posted by delravio 05:40 PM, 07/24/2008
Rollins' team? What about Utley? He looks more like Denny Doyle than the pre-ordained MVP. Boo? Utley you.
Posted by scars73 05:40 PM, 07/24/2008
Oh stop with the "it would have never happened if Aaron was here!" Manuel is a buffoon like someonme already said, and he is trying to find an excuse and blame someone for his c_appy managing! Jimmy Rollins may not be having the same season he was last year, but he certainly isn't the worst one on this team! Jimmy Rollins is not the problem here. Stop batting Utely second and Shane at the bottom of the lineup. Burrel should be hitting 4th, Howard fifth. Why wouldn't you put Burrell and his amazing OBP in front of the league leade rin RBI's?
Posted by RAS 05:53 PM, 07/24/2008
Jokes aside, I'm still not budging from my earlier ascertations that all this Jimmy BS is really all about money. The next thing you know he'll be doing sit-ups in his driveway for the News crews. T.O. all over again. Buddy Ryan took the rap for his talented Eagles not winning the SB under him. But the real reason IMHO is that owner Norman Braman would fight to the death over money. Aside from Randall who was well compensated, Reggie White, Clyde Simmons, Seth Joyner, Kieth Byers, etc. never got the really big paydays (in Philly), and I think it affected the outcome of that regime. So you can argue all year about who's right and who's wrong, but if guys like Rollins and Howard TRULY BELIEVE that they are underpaid, we all can kiss away any hope of a championship. For all we know after this series, Utley could be a sympathizer...I doubt it though.
Posted by Truth 05:56 PM, 07/24/2008
Scotty82 glad you admit what I have been saying since this BRAINTRUST chose not to sign the heart and soul early in the off-season. Sometimes to win a series you have to overpay. Furthermore would it have been overpaying? scars73 you can't bat pat 4th, Howard would never see a pitch to hit. Leave the managing to Cholly you're the buffoon.
Posted by Truth 06:11 PM, 07/24/2008
RAS-I'm glad you're catching on. The thing is Rollins probably would have accepted his fate if he witnessed the team take care of its other stars. To give Howard 900k after an MVP season slapped all the players in the face. Utley signed a foolish deal,(2nd only to Braun) and RAS it wouldn't suprise if Utley is now realizing it as well. He is married and his wife is probably wondering why the so-called best 2nd baseman of our generation is getting paid like a mid teir player. He may not have been smart enough to recongize it but I BET his wife is making him feel pretty stupid on occasion. Simply the TRUTH.
About Todd Zolecki
Todd Zolecki is in his sixth season covering the Phillies. Born and raised in Milwaukee – he suffered through the Packers’ crushing loss to the Giants in the NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field in January – he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a journalism degree.