If anybody doubted that Charlie Manuel was the captain of this ship before yesterday, well they can cease with that doubt today.
Yesterday, during the Phillies' 5-0 blanking of the Reds, Jimmy Rollins as you have probably heard lolly gagged while running out a shallow fly out to left field.
And, then Reds shortstop Paul Janish dropped the ball and Ruiz scored, but Rollins was just on first base.
Charlie Manuel wasted little time in teaching Jimmy a lesson by benching him for the rest of the game.
And, Rollins didn't piss and moan either, he understood and said it won't happen again.
"There is no explanation," Rollins said. "I just didn't do it. It happens. Every once in a while the manager gets you. It shouldn't happen. I'm not disappointed in myself. I know better. Just go out there and make sure I don't do it again.
One has to commend Manuel for showing the fortitude to do such a thing to one of his star players. And, Rollins deserves serious credit for taking it like a man and moving on.
Moments like this transform a playoff contender into a World Series contender. Not only does this show all the players that they must hustle and get the job done, but they'll respect Manuel even more than they already do.
Charlie Manuel was ridiculed and maligned for much of his first two seasons in Philly and while he's not the greatest tactician (he still makes moves that make me nearly have a stroke) he is a good major league manager. He has instilled discipline in his players and he knows how to manage egos. More importantly, he is great at finding the right mix of players on the right nights to make it work.
Yesterday was a great day in Phillies history on many levels.
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