THE PHILLIES HAVE BEEN GIVING WAGNER THE BUSINESS

In this morning's Arizona Republic, New York Met relief pitcher Billy Wagner claims that he was called a rat by former teammate Pat Burrell last year in Philadelphia. Now that's some serious trash talk.

So I found a movie still from King Rat in honor of Pat Burrell. He has become one of my favorite players now. I mean with so much profanity laced insults that are out there, that we hear everyday, that have turned into cliches, it's really refreshing to hear an adult male in a roomful of adult males call another a rat.

Billy Wagner is a 5'10'' fireballing lefty closer that has hit 100 on the speed gun. When he comes into a game to save it, he generally does. Usually without anyone reaching base. (I wonder if Jason Isringhausen reads my blog?) While with the Astros, The Rat would come into a game, the Cardinals would hit one ground ball and then two would strike out. If it was a one run game in the eighth, I remember leaving early because you knew the game was over with Wagner.

But who knew he was sensitive? To be called a rat, and get your feelings hurt? Whitey Herzog relished his nickname as The White Rat. I even had a tee shirt with that moniker on it. But Wagner's hurt. And it happened a half season ago.

The last time I remember hearing someone call another a rat was on Leave It To Beaver when the Beav directed that epiteth to Whitey. So to Mr. Burrell and others who might be inclined, ease up. Don't give Wagner the business. He lives in New York now. He's soft.