Phillies set to capture attention

Updated: January 21, 2004, 9:40 AM ET

The Phillies have a chance to become the team in the hearts and minds of those in the Philadelphia area.

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By By Jim Baker
MLB Insider

What happens when the local eleven get everyone's hopes up and then fall short -- again? That's right: folks turn their attention to the local nine. With the death of the Eagles on Sunday, Sam Donnellon of the Daily News writes that the Phillies have a chance to become the team in the hearts and minds of those in the Philadelphia area.

Tired of waiting for news on the signing of Pudge Rodriguez? Rob Parker of the Detroit News says he's a player well worth waiting for. Not only that, but given the Tigers' record over the last decade, it could be a lot worse: Rodriguez could be ignoring them completely.

One of Pete Rose's biggest supporters is losing faith in his ability to get into the Hall of Fame. Bill Giles, chairman of the Phillies, is most disappointed in the way Rose has handled himself of late. "I wish he hadn't written the book," Giles told Jim Salisbury of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I'm disappointed in the way he handled it, announcing it during Hall of Fame week. And in his TV appearance, he didn't seem honest in his apology. I've read three-fourths of the book. I find it interesting, but kind of sad."

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