The Sporting News announced its postseason awards, and Jimmy Rollins, who figures to be a top finisher for National League MVP, was not named the league's best shortstop by his peers.
That honor went to Florida's Hanley Ramirez.
Chase Utley and Aaron Rowand were named the league's best second baseman and one of the best three outfielders, respectively. But it's certainly interesting that the players didn't pick Rollins, although Ramirez absolutely had a tremendous season. Rollins hit .296 with 38 doubles, 20 triples, 30 home runs, 94 RBIs, 41 stolen bases and 139 runs scored. Ramirez hit .332 with 48 doubles, six triples, 29 home runs, 81 RBIs, 51 stolen bases and 125 runs scored. But I wouldn't fret too much. I don't think that means much as far as where Rollins will finish in the NL MVP race.
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The Rockies swept the Diamondbacks in the NLCS.
That means I'm headed home on a 7 a.m. flight this morning, barring any US Airways entanglements.
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The Indians took a 2-1 lead in the ALCS against the Red Sox. How about Kenny Lofton? The guy continues to be productive, while nobody wants him. Who's he going to be playing for next season?
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More than 5,000 birds were seized in a cockfighting raid in Southern California. There is no truth to the rumor that authorities also seized countless copies of Phillies DVDs at the site.
For those with a short memory, I wrote this story March 30, 2006:
Firm earns error for DVD goof
New meaning for "Fightin' Phillies."
By Todd Zolecki
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Baseball treasures its traditions, which is why the national pastime is so special to so many people.
Hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jack.
The traditional blood sport of cockfighting has not made its way into baseball's fabric, and it probably never will considering that it is illegal in 48 states and the District of Columbia. So imagine the surprise of two Phillies season-ticket holders when they recently played a Phillies highlights DVD only to find a Spanish-language cockfighting video.
The Phillies had sent about 4,000 DVDs to season-ticket holders who had not renewed their season tickets, and as far as they know, only two have featured the sport where specially bred gamecocks are placed in an enclosure to fight to a bloody death.
The DVD manufacturer, ProAction Video, took responsibility for the error. It said when it started its Phillies DVD run, a few DVDs from a previous run to another customer inadvertently remained in the molding equipment.
Oops.
Some of the cockfighting DVDs were stamped with a Phillies graphic, which featured second baseman Chase Utley and the title Power of the Plan.
The Phillies said in a statement that they "regret if any recipient was offended as a result."
ProAction said in a statement: "We apologize for this unfortunate error. . . . This is a very isolated incident that affected only a few discs. . . . ProAction Media and our production facility take full responsibility for this unfortunate error and apologize to the great Phillies organization and the fans that were affected by this error."
Don't expect to see cockfighting on the concourse at Citizens Bank Park this season, or ever. According to the Humane Society of the United States, cockfighting in Pennsylvania is a felony. So is the possession of cocks for fighting and being a spectator at a cockfight. Possession of implements for cockfights, however, is legal.
There have been no reported complaints from cockfighting fans who have been sent Phillies highlights by mistake.
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Comments (8)
Heck of a series by the Rockies. I liked Charlie for manager of the year but I would have to say the job Hurdle has done is even better.
I'm rooting for a Indians/Rockies matchup. Lived there for 2.5 years (99-01)and those fans really deserve it, nice people, great fans, super ballpark.
Hope the Phils's medical staff enjoyed watching Borowski pitch last night. Looks like damaged goods...not!
Posted by jimmymack | October 16, 2007 8:53 AM
Posted on October 16, 2007 08:53
I keep hearing that nobody ever wants Kenny Lofton to play for them. Didn't he hit .335 here in Philly? Yet, he was gone the next year. What's up with Kenny?
Posted by BigPapi | October 16, 2007 9:13 AM
Posted on October 16, 2007 09:13
Word is that Lofton isn't what you'd call a good teammate. I've heard the term 'cancer in the locker room' being used in reference to him.
As for the Rockies, I'm not going to say it's comforting to see them roll through the playoffs, but it would have been a lot more disheartening had the Phils been swept by a team that failed to make the World Series.
Posted by V | October 16, 2007 10:35 AM
Posted on October 16, 2007 10:35
Hanley Ramirez had a wonderful season, but J-Roll's was one for the record books.
Posted by GM-Carson | October 16, 2007 11:36 AM
Posted on October 16, 2007 11:36
When you talk about considering a SS as MVP, you must consider the defense he plays very seriously. And that's where Ramirez falls short. Rollins played 140 more innings defensively than Ramirez but made less than half the errors (11 and 24 respectively). That has to count.
Ramirez's offensive numbers are very impressive - superior to Rollins in a few categories. And Rollins has the edge in others. They are similar offensive talents. But all things considered - offense and defense - Rollins had about as good a year as you're ever going to see a shortstop have. Tack on the fact the he was a catalyst to his team making the playoffs, and the chioce is clear.
The Sporting News blew this one.
Posted by Louis DeVizia | October 16, 2007 12:05 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 12:05
are we going to get any excitement out of the 2007 playoffs? 4 sweeps in 6 series so far? even with the phils in, this is one of the dullest playoffs i can remember.
Posted by mike | October 16, 2007 1:46 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 13:46
Since this award is voted on by the players, I can only think that the Marlins all voted for Ramirez, as did the Mets as payback for Jimmy's "team to beat" remarks and his proving it.
Posted by mike l | October 16, 2007 7:42 PM
Posted on October 16, 2007 19:42
Statistics,hitting streaks,All Stars, MVP Golden Glove, Cy Young, League leaders, in this, and that. All awards received for individual recognition. It somehow, reminds you of these crazed ,Fantasy Leagues. Great around the water cooler,but this is supposed to be, a team game. Also, why should anyone get "Coach of the Year" when they didn't win the championship ? All consolation prizes.
Posted by Pat H | October 17, 2007 1:21 AM
Posted on October 17, 2007 01:21