Hey Phillies Fans, Jimmy Rollins Questions Your Loyalty

You figure that Jimmy Rollins had some sort of deal with the devil going on last year. The fearless prediction, countless big hits, the miraculous comeback to overtake the Mets, an MVP.

But so far in 2008, he's spent time on the DL and his numbers have dipped significantly. Now, he's picked a curious time to go after the fans:

"I might catch some flak for saying this, but, you know, they're front-runners. When you're doing good, they're on your side. When you're doing bad, they're completely against you...For exmple, Ryan [Howard] is from St. Louis and St. Louis, it seems like they support their team, they're out there encouraging. In Philly, can't be no punk."

What Rollins is saying isn't wrong. I don't live in Philly and have never been to a game in Philly, but it wouldn't surprise me if that statement is accurate. After all, I root for another east coast team with temperamental fans - the Mets - home to some of the biggest front-running, unreasonable, paranoid fans around. And if the fans of the two teams are in any way similar (they are - they're both miserable and cranky from years of losing), it won't be pleasant for Rollins the next time he comes to bat at Citizens Bank Park.

But in terms of his play on the field and the Phillies chances of repeating in the NL East, will it hurt them? Probably not. He'll hear the boos at first, but after a couple of hits they'll be cheering again. Which, ironically, will prove Rollins' point.

Of course, Jimmy, if you wanna bat about .150 the rest of the way and make a few errors when the Mets are in town, that'd be fine, too.