The Phils got a gem from Cole, so of course everyone wants to talk about something else.
Hamels threw a three-hit shutout in silencing the Reds, and the Phils closed out an 8-2 home stand before leaving for a weekend set in Hot-lanta.
But it was something else that happened in the game that had tongues wagging.
Manager Charlie Manuel benched a player for not hustling. That in itself would be news. But this player happens to be the reigning National League MVP.
That’s right. Jimmy Rollins found himself on the pine after he failed to run out a pop fly in the third. The Reds botched the play, but Rollins wasn’t running hard. He should have been standing on second. Instead, he sheepishly was forced to retreat to first.
To his credit, Manuel gave him the hook. And to his credit, Rollins handled the matter head-on after the game. He indicated Manuel really only has two rules, that you be on time and hustle. He broke one of the rules. So he took a seat on the bench.
For his part, Manuel didn’t want to talk about it at all.
But it sends a clear message to the team: Lazy play won’t be tolerated, even if you’re the MVP.
That should pay dividends later this year. For now, too much is likely being made of the Rollins’ incident. And not nearly enough on the gem uncorked by Hamels.
The Phils are now once again 10 games over the .500 mark at 36-26. They go to Atlanta with a two and a half game lead. This is going to be one of the toughest parts of their schedule, with series against the Braves, Marlins and Cardinals, then back home to face the Dodgers and Angels.
Manuel’s message should serve them well.
Hamels threw a three-hit shutout in silencing the Reds, and the Phils closed out an 8-2 home stand before leaving for a weekend set in Hot-lanta.
But it was something else that happened in the game that had tongues wagging.
Manager Charlie Manuel benched a player for not hustling. That in itself would be news. But this player happens to be the reigning National League MVP.
That’s right. Jimmy Rollins found himself on the pine after he failed to run out a pop fly in the third. The Reds botched the play, but Rollins wasn’t running hard. He should have been standing on second. Instead, he sheepishly was forced to retreat to first.
To his credit, Manuel gave him the hook. And to his credit, Rollins handled the matter head-on after the game. He indicated Manuel really only has two rules, that you be on time and hustle. He broke one of the rules. So he took a seat on the bench.
For his part, Manuel didn’t want to talk about it at all.
But it sends a clear message to the team: Lazy play won’t be tolerated, even if you’re the MVP.
That should pay dividends later this year. For now, too much is likely being made of the Rollins’ incident. And not nearly enough on the gem uncorked by Hamels.
The Phils are now once again 10 games over the .500 mark at 36-26. They go to Atlanta with a two and a half game lead. This is going to be one of the toughest parts of their schedule, with series against the Braves, Marlins and Cardinals, then back home to face the Dodgers and Angels.
Manuel’s message should serve them well.
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