While it may not hold the same "oomph" as calling a team a bunch of "choke artists", John Maine has fired back when asked about the Philadelphia Phillies and their propensity for being a bit mouthy. "I don't really care, but I just don't get it," Maine said. "At the end of the year, they won the World Series. Congratulations! Let's focus on the things they accomplished. Don't worry about what's going on up in New York. I mean, I don't get it."Yeah, it doesn't sound like much. But I'll tell you what it signifies: For the past two seasons, the budding Mets-Phillies rivalry has pretty much been contained to the fans. Yeah, Jimmy Rollins made the "team to beat" comment, and various Phillies have whined about the Mets and their dancing, but this has been a fans' rivalry more than anything. Now, you may start to see a shift in that from the stands to the actual rosters.
Up until now, the Mets really haven't responded with anything other than cliches such as "we can't control what they say" or similar vanilla. Maine's comment seems to reveal a little agitation. Part of that agitation might be the very fact that he was asked about Hamels and his "choke artists" comment, but I have to believe part of the agitation is genuinely directed toward the Phillies players. And why not? When was the last time a team has been as consistently liberal with their trash talk towards a division rival than these Phillies? Perhaps this foretells some fireworks on the field between the teams, and not just their fanbases.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-18-2008 @ 2:13PM
Jennifer said...
Really? Last year, Beltran said "With (Santana), now, I have no doubt that we're going to win in our division. So this year, to Jimmy Rollins, we are the team to beat." etc., etc.,
I agree that's it's probably a bigger deal for the fans than the players, but don't make the Mets out to be completely innocent.
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12-18-2008 @ 6:13PM
phillyron said...
The Phillies just play the game better than the Mets. They run harder, play better defense, and are absolutely fearless at the plate. The Mets and their fans know it. They might boo Rollins-but they would take him over Reyes in a second. WORLD CHAMPION PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES!!!!
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12-18-2008 @ 10:50PM
Nayr Drawoh said...
The Mets spend a ton every year on a "saviour". What happens during the year is the stars play inconsistently, the Superstars disappoint and the Phils leave them all in the dust. Nothing will change this year. It is a team sport and no team demonstrates that like the Phillies.
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12-19-2008 @ 12:18AM
Bruno Ronzoni said...
The Phillies will look like sillies while you place all your bets on the Mets. Its not about what you did for me last year, but what you do for me this year. The Mets are again, rightfully, the team to beat in '09. OOOOOHHHHH!!!!! I can't wait for spring training to begin!
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12-19-2008 @ 12:31AM
kelpie1314 said...
I don't really think Cole Hamels' comments count as being "mouthy". He was asked, point blank (by New York radio personalities, no less), "do you think the Mets are choke artists?"
What was he supposed to do? Not answer? Lie? Suddenly pretend his phone dropped the call?
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12-19-2008 @ 8:56AM
firemen29 said...
Hey Mr. Bruno...
Yes we Phillies fans cannot wait until the season begins...then when those muts choke again not only on losing the NL east they can choke on all the money they spent on Krod...Lidge is still the best closer in the NL...can not believe the muts fans talking trash already when their actions the last 2 years did not back up their talk..like Rollins statements..but keep wishing away
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12-19-2008 @ 10:16AM
JR said...
Unfortunately Cole Hammels was quite ignorant in taking the
bait of the media. Of course they want some "juicy tidbits" and
the fool took the bait. I do remember him stating it was also his
wife's birthday at one point...and proudly sharing that she was
10 years older. Hmmm, the guy can pitch, but appears to have
little control or awareness of what comes out of his mouth...
Oh, and Met fans and Phillie fans will make silly and profane
comments to each other...But here's a prediction...Rock on
K-Rod and JJ...momentum and a new stadium are with you...
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12-19-2008 @ 11:51PM
kelpie1314 said...
Not that this matters in the least, but I do wish if you were going to call someone a fool that you'd get your facts straight. I doubt very much that Cole stated anywhere that his wife is 10 years older than he is - because she's 5 years older.
More importantly, what kind of momentum, exactly, does a team have after choking away a season two years in a row?
12-19-2008 @ 12:49PM
Bob said...
Hmmmm......the Mets choke 2 yrs in a row.....There's reason.....Win the Division, and go deep into the playoffs, perhaps win it all, and then the rhetoric will stop!........
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12-19-2008 @ 3:38PM
Speed said...
I don't root for either team, but I know many teams can't stand watching that monkey-acting shortshop dancing around the dugout during the early innings of an undecided game. Don't get me wrong, we all know the kid can play, he simply needs to control his celebratory dancing until they actually win the game. Several players can't wait for the release of my new kids book called "The Monkey in the Dugout".
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