That CBS article is off. Yadi was tapped on the shins a few times and then Phillips flapped his trap, Yadi took exception, and off it went. Rolen targeting Carp was uncalled for and in character with Rolen, who has had personality issues everywhere he has played.
You couldn't get it more wrong. It was unmistakably obvious that Rolen was trying to be a peacemaker, stepping in to separate the combatants. It was Carpenter who started the flap with Rolen, aggressive & yelling at Rolen. That Rolen took exception to Carpenter's behavior would be more than understandable, but it you were observing the scene as replayed on TV you should have noticed that Rolen threw no puches, only pushed Carpenter (Rolen is a big guy, but Carpenter towers over him) into the fence and down.
I want the Cards to put the obnoxious upstart Reds in their place as much as any fan, but seems like we ought to recognize that the Cards (justifiably, in my book) are sick of the Reds antics & mouths, and were more than willing to respond to provocations.
As for Rolen, Rolen hasn't gotten along with GMs and LaRussa (but as far as I'm aware the only field manager he had problems with--Jim Fregosi & Terry Fracona loved him in Philly, he is a favorite of Dusty Baker, Cito Gaston respected him as a "throwback, an oldtimer, a gamer"). And the teammates who iddn't like him during his long career in almost instances were players who aroused his ire by dogging it, bu giving less than their best.
The guy is one of the class acts in baseball. Yes, he is not a gregarious extroverted guy, just a quiet sort who plays with pain through a back injury that most of us would feel was cripping, plys fullout and expects everyone to do the same. A proud man who demands respect--because he has earned it.
I guess it depends on what qualities different fans think define the good guys in baseball. Rolen is on my list: as a role model, he is a sports figure that any parent ought to want his/her son/daughter to emulate in morals, behavior, commitment to family, work ethic, social values & commitment.
Edit. Sorry, my apology for going off this way. Afterwards I saw your followup remarks My bad. Guess the pennant races are so close that I'm getting edgy, short-fused. Again, sorry.
