The Lost Art of Hustling
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by Jukeboxhero
I cannot stop thinking about Coco Crisp slowing down at home the other night in their 1-0 loss to the Indians. After watching more highlights it got me thinking about the players who always hustle. I am not saying Crisp does not hustle because he has made some remarkable plays in the outfield.
It is a shame that the Phillies lost Chase Utley to the hand injury, but Utley's heart will get him back playing quicker than expected. The Phillies have been blessed with two players that rarely ever take a play off. Was anyone else impressed with Jimmy Rollins game tying race around the bases the other night? As of now Utley leads the league in doubles (41) and is second in the National League in runs (77). Chase's teammate Rollins leads the National League and is third in the majors with 86 runs. Grant it Rollins has Utley and Howard batting behind him, but his speed and hustle has put in run scoring situations.
Another fantastic player that always gives it his all is Yankee Captain Derek Jeter. He truly is the epitome of a captain. No one can forget the play to get Jeremy Giambi out during the playoffs. Or the time when he dove into the stands on a Trot Nixon foul pop. To quote Tim Kurkjian: "It was the ninth inning of a one-sided victory for the Red Sox on Sunday at Yankee Stadium. Derek Jeter hit a grounder to pitcher David Wells. Some stars might have loafed to first; Jeter raced down the line and beat the throw. It didn't lead to anything major, but for him it doesn't have to. That's why he is the captain of the Yankees, that's why he has four championship rings and that's one reason why he is our choice for the face of baseball. " Dave Roberts, a center fielder on the San Diego Padres, said, " Derek Jeter sets the bar for everyone who puts on a uniform. He plays the game the way it's supposed to be played. And he does it every day. That's why he is the captain of the Yankees."
It is a shame that many players do not have the heart or hustle of Utley, Rollins, or Jeter. When was the last time you saw Bobby Abreu sacrifice his body for a fly ball? I have yet to see Manny Ramirez truly sprint for a fly ball or when he gets a hit. Jose Reyes stood at home plate for Christ's sake on a dribbler. I hope he learned his lesson when Randolph benched him.
If you were to make a list of the top 5 laziest people in the league and/or top five hustlers in the league, what would it be?
