An MVP Kind Of Year

September 4 , 2007 | By Ron Costello | Discuss

The other day my brother reminded me of the great season Jimmy Rollins is having. He was saying people may not appreciate the shortstop as they should. I think he's right.

It's easy to take him for granted.

He signed a five year, $40 million contract that will take him through 2010. Plus an $8.5 million club option for 2011, with a $2 million buy out.

Here's what J-Roll said after yesterday's disappointing loss to Florida: "We needed today, no doubt. We jump out there, throw a five spot. There's no way in the world that five spot should be given up the way it was."

It seems that the Phillies starters give up the ball too early to inept middle relievers. In the case of J.D. Drubin, on Saturday he was removed in the first inning without getting an out. Ouch!

Newbie Kane Davis came in on Sunday and allowed back to back home runs.

It's frustrating not only for good ball players like Jimmy Rollins, but for the fans too.

And what about Jason Werth? Is he earning an outfield spot for 2008? Could be. If Aaron Rowland moves on, Victorino in center, Werth in right?

Penn State could be grooming its next coach right here in the City of Brotherly Love. If Al Golden can turn the tide for the Temple Owls--not make them National Champions, but competitive, with back to back winning seasons--could the suits in Old Main take notice? Maybe they have already. Golden, a former Nittany Lion tight end, would fit the mold perfectly.

Not enough experience, you say? He's got more experience than the last head coach the Lions hired. Now let's see, who was that, anyway? But Golden has to start winning now and Buffalo at the Linc on Saturday may be the start.

Penn State will have a real football team to play at Beaver Stadium on Saturday. It appears, however, that the Nittany Lions will be too much for a Notre Dame team still searching for a quarterback: 27-10, Penn State.

The quote of the year from Kane Davis after surrendering back to back home runs: "I feel I can do the job. I don't think I made bad pitches. I feel like I let them down. I came in and gave up two runs. I hope I get the opportunity to do it again."

No, no, please no!