An Apology to Scott Rolen
Dear Scott,
I feel like there aren’t enough words in the English language to describe how sorry I am, but I assure you that I am extremely remorseful about ever doubting you. To say it simply … I’m sorry.
First off, I’m sorry for ever suggesting earlier this year that the Blue Jays should trade you away simply to dump salary. Who am I kidding? Albeit he’s a great player, Jose Bautista is a mere one third the third baseman you are. Scott, you deserve every single penny of that $11 million dollars you are owed this season and next.
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I’m also sorry if I ever insinuated that the Blue Jays were on the losing end of the trade to bring you to Toronto and send Troy Glaus to St. Louis. Purely based on last year’s statistics, Glaus appears to be the better player – but what those stats don’t show is that you played the most part of the 2008 season with a shoulder injury that dated back to 2007. A lesser man would have cowered in pain and begged for mercy, but you stood in the face of adversity and through the pain you still managed to play. After whining about playing on turf, Troy Glaus finally received his wish to play on the grass in St. Louis and he still hasn’t suited up for a game this year.
Scott, I’m sorry for expecting you to hit like you did back when you were in your twenties with the Philadelphia Phillies. With the departure of Troy Glaus, I was hoping that you would provide those 30+ home runs and 100 + RBI’s that we had come to expect from Glaus. Now I know those power numbers are not important, and your .327 batting average and your 29.6 percent line drive rate more than makes up for it. Not many players can retool their swing like you have, Scott.
Lastly, I apologize that I forgot you are a seven time Gold Glove award winner. Maybe it’s because over the past few years, John McDonald has turned some dazzling defense over at shortstop and has taken the focus off of the third base side. This season, your defense has been flawless and it’s reminded us all why the trophy case in the Rolen household is home to seven Gold Glove awards. I’ll even go as far to say that you might be the best defensive third basemen that the Blue Jays have ever had. Frankly, if you don’t win another Gold Glove this year if will be shocked and saddened. I will go as far to say that I will write an angry letter to each coach and manager that doesn’t vote for you.
In closing, I hope you accept my apology for underestimating your wealth of talent. Don’t feel like you’re underappreciated or taken for granted because after seeing your magic glove, your unmistakeable batting stance and your uncanny choice for entrance music, I truly do believe in Scott Rolen.
it takes a REAL man to apologize. good on ya. Rolen for MIP! here's to our cleanup scotty!
It's cool. We aren't mad. Scott rolen isn't one to hold a grudge.
Luckily for me, despite what One Republic said … it's never too late to apologize.
Drew, I'm sorry for ever doubting Scott Rolen. Now we're even – you with Richmond and me with Rolen. Now we're all winners!
You're doing this backwards, Ian.
Instead of apologizing to Scott, you need to be antagonizing him, and booing him mercilessly.
He feeds off it. It sustains him. He loves your hate.
You're a good man, Ian.
"I’ll even go as far to say that you might be the best defensive third basemen that the Blue Jays have ever had."
Might?
MIGHT?
He MIGHT be the best ever in the major leagues…I think it's safe to say he's the best ever Blue Jay.
And for the record, I never ever ONCE said a remotely bad thing about Rolen. I've been predicting that an extension would eventually seem wise since day one.
Arch, as much as it would motivate him even more, I don't think I could heckle Scott Rolen. But it seemed to work for him in Philly!
Southpaw, there is a good reason why they call Scott Rolen the Greatest Blue Jay of All Time (GBJoAT for short). I really hope that the Jays do sign him for an extension because I couldn't think of a better free agent third basemen on the market.
Rolen is great, I love the way he stands in and takes his whacks, never an easy out. A throwback to old school ball players. good read Ian.
I think last year Rolen was really under-appreciated in Toronto, mostly because he was so injury proned. But now he is as solid as a rock. Scott the Rock!