Uncle Stalin - Friday, June 06, 2008
376 Views :: 0 Comments :: :: Michael Bradley

   Don't make too much about Charlie Manuel's decision to sit the reigning National League MVP Thursday, after Jimmy Rollins failed to run out a fly ball against the Cincinnati Reds. It's natural to consider that the big story, since we don't often see that kind of discipline directed at star players with large contracts and proven track records -- unless it's a precursor to great upheaval. Rollins messed up, he paid the price, and he seemed properly contrite afterward. End of story.

   The bigger issue here is that Manuel is clearly in charge of this team, and he doesn't mind showing it. We all have great fun making fun of his home-spun demeanor and aw-shucks style, and even the Phillies have capitalized on it. But last year's NL East title and the ensuing contract extension proffered by the team has given Manuel what he never really has had in Philadelphia: security. He isn't manager-for-life or anything, but he no longer has to endure the speculation about whether he'll be back in the dugout. He's signed through next year, and if the Phillies continue their winning ways, he'll be locked up beyond that, too.

   This wasn't the first show of Manuel's discipline. Friday, The Inquirer's Jim Salisbury reported that the manager had a private, high-decibel airing out of the team back in May, after the team had stumbled through a small losing streak and had showed a decided lack of effort. He ripped players who whined about playing time and decried the lack of hustle. He also promised retribution for those who didn't shape up. Thursday's benching of Rollins wasn't a dramatic moment, just a natural fallout from Manuel's warning that those who don't get it done will sit down.

  Don't read too much into the incident. It's not the beginning of a breach between Rollins and the team over compensation, although the shortstop is underpaid, relative to other standouts in the league. It isn't the beginning of Manuel's Reign of Terror. It's just another example of a manager's exercising his authority, and it's quite welcome on this team. The Phillies have the potential to be pretty successful this year, and Manuel doesn't want to see that opportunity squandered. Yesterday, he made sure everybody knew that. It may have seemed like a huge public display, but it was really business as usual. Kudos to Rollins for handling it well, and nice work by Manuel for showing him who's in charge. 

   Let's hope he doesn't have to do it again, but let's also be happy that if it has to be done, Manuel is able to do it.