Posted on 07/21/2013 3:50:21 PM PDT by rickmichaels
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips defended comments he made to Cincinnati Magazine that his $72 million contract was a "slap in the face."
Phillips told USA Today on Saturday that he has nothing for which to apologize.
"I have nothing to get off my chest," he said. "What did I say wrong? Please tell me, what did I say wrong? I want to know what I said wrong. Please tell me. I want everyone to tell me exactly what did I say that was so wrong?"
Phillips signed a six-year, $72 million deal last year. He told Cincinnati Magazine in its August issue that it was unfair that he only got $72 million while teammate Joey Votto got $225 million over 10 years.
"I just feel like they didn't have to sign Joey to that contract," Phillips said in the magazine article. "He still had two more years on his. And for (the front office) to go out there and sign him before they sign me, and they knew I was going to be a free agent? I understand Joey's a good player. He's one of the best players in this game. But I feel like I am too. I told them that this is where I wanted to be. I begged them. I told everybody I want to finish my career here. And then they give someone a contract who didn't ask for nothing?"
Phillips said Reds owner Bob Castellini and general manager Walt Jocketty lied to him about how much money was available to pay him.
"To this day, I'm still hurt," he said. "Well, I don't wanna say hurt. I'll say scarred. I'm still scarred. It just sucks that it happened. For (Castellini) to sign somebody for $200 million, there must be a new vegetable or fruit coming out that we don't know about. For him to do something like that and tell me they didn't have any more money, that's a lie. But what can I do? I just feel like it was a slap in my face.
"But how can someone slap you in the face with all that money? It's a nice slap in the face."
Votto said he was not offended by Phillips' comments.
"Brandon is always totally honest," Votto said. "He's been my teammate for six or seven years now, and I love playing with him. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him.
"What he said has nothing to do with me, but what he had to say makes me like him even more. He's honest. Most players stick to using catchphrases -- like I'm doing now -- but he will tell you how he feels at that moment."
Phillips is an All-Star player but Votto is a former MVP. Phillips is hitting .269 with a .322 on-base percentage, 12 home runs and 78 RBI. Votto is batting .319 this year with a National League-best .437 on base percentage, 15 home runs and 44 RBI.
He's got 1 SB, which sucks for 2B.
On the other hand , 78 RBI's are nothing to sneeze at.
He's got 12 homers which is great for 2B, but Cano has 21.
This guy is an elite player for sure, probably 2nd or 3rd in the game after Cano.
He also works for the Reds, who have a history of racism.
I can't actually blame the guy for bitching about the way they handle him versus Votto, who is overrated.
When you ask 5 times in a row what you said that was wrong, chances are you already have a pretty good idea what you said that was wrong.
Roger on the blaming of Curt Flood.
I used to be an avid baseball fan. Between the cheating and grossly overpaid players such as this Phillips — a 269 hitter — I really can’t get excited about it anymore. They should give Pete Rose $72 million for the wrong they did to him. At least in hockey which goes on for 10 months there is no cheating that we know of and they work very hard for their money.
I guess you’re right. I never knew. I looked it up and, while I didn’t read the entire story, I found out enough to see where you’re coming from.
What’s wrong with people? Most normal guys would be thrilled and feel privileged to even earn the right to wear an MLB uniform, much less pull stunts like this.
And po' po' Phillips. The Reds FORCING him to take a paltry $72 million for 6 years. Awwww....
Too bad he doesn’t play for the Angels, they’ll overpay for anyone.
That would give them the "respect" that they deserve.
Of course, it would cost the fans around $10,000 per ticket to go see a game and those watching at home would need to subscribe to a pay channel for about $500 per month to see the game on TV.
But the ballplayers are worth it so I'm sure the fans will do the right thing and pony up.
I've never heard anything about Willie Mays being a jerk. I wonder if that's just how he is, or the times he played in.
In fact I don't ever hear what Willie Mays thinks about politics, baseball, or anything else for that matter. Thankfully.
Once I heard some the utterings of Hank Aaron and George Foster, they went way down in my "hero" file.
He could always not sign and take his chances on the market, so maybe he should do that.
If he's a free agent, and he feels "underpaid" he could have gone on the block and seen just how much he's worth.
It would have to be a team with a LOT of spare cash that really needs a 2B right now.
I'm not a close enough fan of MLB to know if there's a team that fits that bill.
My first ballgame with my Dad was in 1955 at the Polo Grounds. Whitey Lockman his a home run, and #24 was 3-for-3.
I remember the day he told me there would be no next year like it was yesterday.
“What he said has nothing to do with me, but what he had to say makes me like him even more. He’s honest. Most players stick to using catchphrases — like I’m doing now — but he will tell you how he feels at that moment.”
I have to agree, I dig it, same with Votto’s statement. I just like the fact that he said it, not that I agree with it. Like Hamels admitting he hit Harper.
I don’t care if a multi-millionaire who gets paid to play a game is complaining about his multi-millionaire bosses who pay him to play a game for them. Seems like they both made their bed and can sleep in it and both sides can say whatever they want to about their relationship.
Freegards
Those are really slave wages! How could anyone possibly survive on a mere $72 million over 6 years, or $12 million per year. There are a lot of out of work Americans that would gladly work for lots less — and make a go of it. He’s a spoiled brat.
“I can’t actually blame the guy for bitching about the way they handle him versus Votto, who is overrated. “
Votto’s numbers suck this year. He better get it going or Phillips will have a real beef if he outplays him a couple years in a row. BUT, how can you have a beef when you make 10 million per year? Seriously idiot - shut up and play baseball. It’s a freaking game. He can’t do jack chit in anything else and make that money that’s for sure.
Please send reality checks.
Amen.
It is very hard for the average guy to understand, but it is really not the money itself that is the issue. The dollar amounts are what these extremely competitive athletes use as their scoreboard when competing with each other. They realize they have enough money to live several lifetimes, but if another player on their team or the league is making more, they also want more. They would do anything to beat you for 5 dollars in a game of darts. It is how they are hard wired. That is why they made it to the major league level. In the world of baseball, those who want it all and are willing to do anything to get it are the ones who end up playing for the Yankees, Red Sox, or Tigers. They are egomaniacs, which for their profession is a plus. Those who did not have this incredible drive to compete and win end up playing for Joe’s Hardware in a men’s softball league. To top athletes every aspect of life is a competition.
Obviously I am in the minority opinion in this thread but Brandon “The Human Highlight Reel” Phillips is an outstanding 2nd basemen and well worth his contract in todays market.
His problem was basically that he was in a contract year and ignored while Votto was 2 years from his contract ending and was rumoured that he wasnt interested in resigning so the front office went above and beyond to get him locked in long term while Phillips who WANTED to stay here in Cincy and is absolutely adored by our fans was being ignored.
The club overpaid Votto to keep him here and gave Phillips a respectable contract once they had Votto on board. Certainly the front office could have been better in handling this situation but in the end, both players are locked up for a long time and no question, the Reds have the best right side of the infield in baseball.
I met BP out at a Bengals game last season and “Datdude” was as nice as could be to everyone who came up to him. I watched him for a good half hour just hanging out with fans, taking pictures with the fans (i got mine) and just being a good guy who gives back to the fans. I dont know of any other Reds player who goes out of their way as much as BP does to interact with the fans.
As far as “expensive” tickets goes, depending on the opponent you can get Reds tickets for as low as $7.00 which is cheaper than a movie and far more entertaining.
Sure, its hard for the average joe to relate to multimillion dollar contracts but such is the free market and as conservatives, arent we supposed to embrace the free market.
Bottom line, BP is an asset to the team, the community, keeps his nose clean and is one of the best infielders in the game today. The Reds are very fortunate to have him and I will continue to be a huge fan of the man. Well deserved.
Yet another reason why I am no longer a fan of MLB.
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