January 16, 2008
Changing My Mind
The Toronto Blue Jays introduced Scott Rolen yesterday, and the new third baseman showed his happiness at moving to the Great White North:
Yesterday, Rolen rolled into his introductory press conference like a starburst of personality.
He seemed visibly excited to be out of St. Louis and on a new team in a new town in a new country. He warned that his parents will be tooling around Toronto during 81 home games next year in their RV and that his two young kids will be running wild throughout the city.
"We're going to storm this place and tear a lot of stuff up," Rolen said.
When the Phillies traded Rolen, I blamed Larry Bowa and Dallas Green for being too hard on their superstar. A few Phillies fans at the time took a contrary stand, that it was more Rolen than management. Given Rolen's problems with La Russa, I know believe those Phillies fans were correct. By the time Scott's contract is up in three years, I would not be surprised if he wore out his welcome in Toronto as well.
Posted by David Pinto at
09:01 AM
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I remember a Peter Gammons column where he lambasted Bowa and Green et al about their treatment of Rolen after he voiced some complaints to the media. I emailed in a comment for his next Q & A listing several times Rolen had whined and asked "isn't it time for Rolen to shut up and play/lead?" Gammons didn't answer my question, instead choosing to again take Rolen's side.
I'm no LaRussa fan, but I think you're right in guessing Rolen might wear out his welcome again. We'll be hearing about his fractured relationship with Gibbons and Ricciardi next offseason.
The glass may be half full.
It is entirely possible that Rolen might fit well with the Toronto organization and re-ignite his career. Is it possible...just ask Jose Guillen how Seattle worked out.
At any rate I would take Rolen over Glaus in a hearbeat. Glaus hit a lot of homeruns when it didn't matter and few when it did.
If Rolen has any character similarities to Hillenbrand, he and Gibbons might be exchanging words in no time.
As a Phillies fan I remember him as a very good hot coner guy but unfortunatly (like Mike Schmidt) wore his feelings on his sleeve. See no change in St Louis & expect the same north of the border.
I think it comes down to which or if either of them are healthy enough to play - both have had big declines in their power since 2004 - coincidental that - Rolen slugged .398 last year. If they both can stay healthy and play anywhere near their abilities it'll probably be a wash though Glaus may have more impact with the Cards in a weak division than Rolen will have with the Jays in the AL East - my guess would be against them both staying healthy and performing up to their abilities though.
