Considering the heroics of Yovani Gallardo, Robinson Chirinos, Rougned Odor and Jake Diekman, who would’ve thought that the player getting the most attention after the Rangers’ Game 1 upset of the Blue Jays would be … Pete Rose?
The all-time hits leader will be happy to know that Toronto stars Josh Donaldson and Jose Bautista are back in the lineup for today’s Game 2 at the Rogers Centre. The same, unfortunately, can’t be said for Adrian Beltre, who isn’t in Texas’ lineup after his lower back locked up yesterday afternoon.
Advantage, Blue Jays.
Mute button, Rose.
Donaldson left Game 1 with a possible concussion after taking a knee to the forehead from Rougned Odor. Bautista left later with tightness in his hamstring. They’re back for Game 2, bringing their combined 81 homers to Toronto’s 2 and 3 holes against Rangers’ ace Cole Hamels.
A lot of folks have hoped for Rose to back in baseball. File last night’s illogical diatribe under “Be careful what you wish for.” Rose is an analyst on Fox Sports 1. And he’s nuts. Out of touch, mostly. But also nuts.
In short, he called Donaldson a wimp for leaving a playoff game with something less than an amputation.
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Rose: “I just don’t understand. I mean, does everybody know what we’re playing for now? I mean, you get a tweak and you got to leave the game. You get a knee on the head and you’ve got a helmet on and you got to leave the game to go take a test that you pass. I mean, cause you’re a little light-headed? I got light-headed how many times in my career? I still went out there and played. I guess it’s just different from when I played to when they’re playing today, Frank. I can’t see you sliding into second there and leaving the game. I really can’t. And this guy is the MVP.”
Maybe rip Bautista if that was Game 5. Or a Game 7. But Game 1? Nope. Live to fight - and swing - another day.
Rose was specifically speaking to co-analyst Frank Thomas. But in general he was connecting with no one. He was the kind of reckless jerk who ran over catchers and delivered career-ending injuries in All-Star games. So, no, I don’t expect him to get it.
As we’ve learned from football, better safe than sorry when it comes to head injuries. Being macho may be swell for Hollywood, but in reality go talk to the families of Junior Seau or Tony Dorsett and ask them about concussions. It’s a different, better, safer game today.
It’s also a game that’s obviously passed Rose by.
As a Rangers’ fan I’m not elated that two of Toronto’s big bombers are back today. But I agree with their handling of their stars. Only a fool like Rose wouldn’t.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
