An Apology to Scott Rolen

Dear Scott,

I feel like there aren’t enough words in the English language to describe how sorry I am, but I assure you that I am extremely remorseful about ever doubting you. To say it simply … I’m sorry.

First off, I’m sorry for ever suggesting earlier this year that the Blue Jays should trade you away simply to dump salary. Who am I kidding? Albeit he’s a great player, Jose Bautista is a mere one-third the third baseman you are. Scott, you deserve every single penny of that $11 million dollars you are owed this season and next.

I’m also sorry if I ever insinuated that the Blue Jays were on the losing end of the trade to bring you to Toronto and send Troy Glaus to St. Louis. Purely based on last year’s statistics, Glaus appears to be the better player. What those stats don’t show is that you played the most part of the 2008 season with a shoulder injury that dated back to 2007. A lesser man would have cowered in pain and begged for mercy, but you stood in the face of adversity and through the pain you managed to play. After whining about playing on turf, Troy Glaus finally received his wish to play on the grass in St. Louis and he still hasn’t suited up for a game this year.

Scott, I’m sorry for expecting you to hit like you did back when you were in your twenties with the Philadelphia Phillies. With the departure of Troy Glaus, I was hoping that you would provide those 30+ home runs and 100 + RBIs that we had come to expect from Glaus. Now I know those power numbers are not important, and your .327 batting average and your 29.6 percent line drive rate more than makes up for it. Not many players can retool their swing like you have, Scott.

Lastly, I apologize that I forgot you are a seven time Gold Glove award winner. Maybe it’s because over the past few years, John McDonald has turned some dazzling defense over at shortstop and has taken the focus off of the third base side. This season, your defense has been flawless and it’s reminded us all why the trophy case in the Rolen household is home to seven Gold Glove awards. I’ll even go as far to say that you might be the best defensive third basemen the Blue Jays have ever had. Frankly, if you don’t win another Gold Glove this year if will be shocked and saddened. I will go as far to say that I will write an angry letter to each coach and manager that doesn’t vote for you.

In closing, I hope you accept my apology for underestimating your wealth of talent. Don’t feel like you’re underappreciated or taken for granted because after seeing your magic glove, your unmistakeable batting stance and your uncanny choice for entrance music.

Sincerely,

-A true believer in Scott Rolen.