Moyer’s Age Leads to Gentle Clubhouse Joshing
June 17, 2008 –
Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer–at 45 the oldest player in the major leagues–has lately become the focus of much good-natured ribbing from his younger teammates. "It's honestly kind of fun," said Moyer in the visitors' locker room following his eight-inning shutout of Florida on Thursday. "They call me 'gramps'... 'ol' fogey'... 'shaky-ass, liver-spotted motherfucker'... y'know, things like that. It's all for a laugh."
Moments later, centerfielder Shane Victorino engaged in a bit of Moyer-related merriment. "Hey, Jamie, you TiVo Matlock last night?" he asked, laughing. When Moyer said that, no, he had not, Victorino responded, "Is that 'cause you have cataracts, and you can't even see the little buttons on the remote, 'cause you need cataract surgery? Is that why?" First baseman Ryan Howard, giggling with delight, added to the tomfoolery. "Yeah, Moy, where's your walker? 'Cause you're so old, you probably need one, 'cause you have a severe case of scoliosis, and... and a hump–and you can't walk without a walker."
Rightfielder Jayson Werth said that such lighthearted joshing contributed to a more relaxed clubhouse atmosphere. "After Wednesday's game [a 6-2 loss to Florida], things were really tense in the locker room. But then Kyle [Kendrick] did his Moyer imitation, with the hospital gown and the drooling and the poo-filled colostomy bag. It really lightened the mood." The 23-year veteran agreed that such joking was good for the club's morale. "If it helps the team, I'm all for it," he said. "So long as they're just making jokes about AARP and prune juice and my kids sticking me in a nursing home and then moving far, far away, I can take it."
|
| |
| FORWARD TO A FRIEND |
| |
| |
|
Kolb: My Shoulder’s Okay
June 17, 2008 –
Following last week's revelation that quarterback Donovan McNabb was suffering from shoulder tendonitis, backup QB Kevin Kolb on Thursday slyly attempted to convey just how healthy his own shoulder was. "It's tough when a guy like Donovan is hurting," said Kolb at the team's summer minicamp. "It's a shame that his shoulder doesn't feel 100%, y'know, the way mine does."
Kolb went on express what, at first glance, would seem to be support for McNabb. "He's got a lot of heart to fight through all those injuries," he said, showily flexing his right arm. "A lot of players his age would've retired a long time ago." The second-year quarterback added that he was more than happy to wait for his moment. "I have no problem being patient," he said, pausing to turn and fling a ball fifty yards with practiced ease. "It's a lot easier when you know that you're young, healthy, and really, really talented."
Head coach Andy Reid, meanwhile, said that the undercurrent of Kolb's comments would not impact his own roster decisions. "Donovan's going to be fine, and unless something severe happens, Kevin's our #2," he insisted. "Even if he does keep telling me how 'upset' he is that Donovan's 'falling apart at the seams.'" Kolb expressed surprise at Reid's insinuation. "No, I'd never try to undermine Donovan. He's earned the right to lead this team–even if some people out there are saying that his time is up."
|
| |
| FORWARD TO A FRIEND |
| |
| |
|
|
