Atlantic City Press - February 1980

Rose A Little Jealous?

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies star Pete Rose does not resent the big salaries being sought by younger athletes. But he is quick to point out how long it took him to become an $800000-a-year man.

“I know the buck isn't what it used to be, but do you realize I had to put in seven big years to reach six figures,” Rose said in a recent interview with Dayton Daily News columnist Si Burick.

Rose then rattled off the credentials that got him to the six-figure class, including five straight seasons hitting over .300, two batting titles and four 200-hit years. 

“Now I hope young guys like (Cincinnati Reds) Ray Knight and Dave Collins get a hatful when or if they go to arbitration over their $100000 demands, but it does make a guy think of how tough it was to get there a few years ago,” said Rose, who became a free agent and left Cincinnati after failing to reach a contract agreement after the 1978 season.

Taylor Has New Phillie Position

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Tony Taylor, a former player and coach for the Philadelphia Phillies, will become a roving infield instructor in the team’s minor league organization. 

Taylor also will join the Phillies for the beginning of spring training. 

Taylor, 44, was a coach for the Phillies during the last three years.

Boone Takes Confidence South

Tales of Hoffman by Harry Hoffman

PHILADELPHIA – Bob Boone knows about trade rumors. 

"My wife has been driven half crazy about trade rumors involving me through the years. She's the one who has to worry about uprooting the family, finding a new place to live and doing the other things I would not be able to handle if a move occurred during spring training or the season. 

“Funny thing is, I was the one partially concerned this winter because my name never came up in a rumor. I figure there is a much better chance of you going somewhere else when no one mentions you in possible trades. General managers usually keep the big deals quiet until they complete the transaction. Then the axe falls and away you go." 

Boone was sitting in a whirlpool bath at the Vet undergoing therapy on his left leg, which underwent surgery for a torn ligament late in September. He was a day away from leaving for Clearwater and the early spring training camp the Phillies have scheduled for their many wounded players who -didn't make it all the way through 1979. 

“I know many fans and media people feel we are in pretty bad shape going into spring training because Paul (general manager Owens) has not made a major deal while the other top teams in our division have,” Boone said. “But I am not ready to buy that theory. I feel just the opposite. I’m glad he did not rush out and make a lot of deals in a panic situation." 

Boone is convinced the Phillies’ pitching staff is strong enough and deep enough to face a gruelling Eastern Division race. 

“I’ve seen how hard Dick Ruthen, Larry Christenson, Warren Brusstar and Randy Lerch have been working to get their arms and their bodies in best possible shape for the upcoming season,” the catcher said. ‘‘Rufus already is throwing loose and easy and I think he has completely recovered from the removal of bone chips from his throwing arm. 

‘‘I’m darned glad Larry is still with us. I predict a tremendous season for this young man. I feel he has matured during the off season. He feels worse than anyone else about the problems which kept him from reaching his potential. I think this year he will take better care of himself and become one of the top pitchers in the game. He certainly has the natural ability to be one of the greats.” 

Boone figures Lerch had only a minor problem that has been corrected. 

“Randy has one of the liveliest arms in the game. He may have had a little psychological problem with the manager (Danny Ozark) that should be worked out with Dallas (Green) this season. We won't know about Bru until he tries to air it out down south. But I can certainly tell you no one has worked any harder to get into a to position where he can come back to pitch this season.” 

Boonie is not even overly concerned with the bullpen which ran out of steam the final month a year ago. 

“When Bru went down early, that put immediate pressure on the other bullpen pitchers. Some of them had to be ready to work both short and long relief, which is a very tough assignment. There is no doubt this affected Ron Reed and put extra pressure on Tug McGraw. We’ve picked up Lerrin LeGrow and Dallas sees Dickie Noles as a possible long reliever. I think the bullpen will work itself out. I just hope we don’t give up a starter like Christenson to get help for the pen.” 

The major off-season rumor had Christenson and outfielder Bake McBride going to Texas for reliever Sparky Lyle. Boone obviously hopes this trade never gets out of the rumor stage. 

"Actually the biggest question mark on the club right now might be me, although I hope not. After the surgery, I could not bend my left knee. But trainer Don Seger has been very patient with me the last couple of months and I now am at the point where I can do most of the things necessary for a catcher,” Boone explained. "My therapy will continue in Clearwater. And I hope to be close to 100 percent by the time the season opens.” 

Bob figures the Phillies are fortunate to have a quality backup catcher like young Keith Moreland on hand. 

"Keith has a very lively bat that already is big league quality. He has been working hard on the defensive end of the game. I'm sure Dallas will give Keith plenty of chance to handle the pitchers down south and he’ll be ready to help us a lot during the season.”