Jim Rice is taking the Red Sox-Yankees Rivalry too seriously

[Srotagtbs]

Rice says big leaguers self-absorbed

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- Jim Rice's advice to Little Leaguers: Don't use today's major leaguers as role models.

Speaking to players before the start of the Little League World Series, the new baseball Hall of Famer said today's major leaguers are too focused on individual goals and getting big contracts.

"You see a Manny Ramirez, you see an A-Rod [Alex Rodriguez], you see [Derek] Jeter ... Guys that I played against and with, these guys you're talking about cannot compare," Rice said to Little Leaguers gathered in the cafeteria.

The former Red Sox outfielder played 16 seasons in Boston, batting .298 with 382 homers before retiring in 1989.

"We didn't have the baggy uniforms. We didn't have the dreadlocks," Rice said. "It was a clean game, and now they're setting a bad example for the young guys."

Asked later at a news conference to list current players worthy of the Hall of Fame, Rice suggested Seattle Mariner outfielders Ichiro Suzuki and Ken Griffey Jr., and Chicago White Sox slugger Jim Thome.

He said he believes current Hall of Famers who did not cheat don't want players who took performance-enhancing drugs to join them in the Hall.

Flexing the muscles in his right arm, Rice said, "That's all the steroids you need . . . It's called God-given talent."

Rice's talk to Little Leaguers was part of his first trip to Williamsport since playing minor league baseball in the central Pennsylvania city in 1971.

He urged players to have respect for their coaches, teammates and parents, and to concentrate on improving the weakest part of their game. Rice said he had to put in extra work to improve his fielding.

Rice's appearance was part of a promotion by Allstate Insurance Co. He got a standing ovation from players and coaches, though some of the 11- to 13-year-old players were yawning or had their heads in their arms on the table about 15 minutes into the talk.

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/llws09/news/story?id=4414291

Derek Jeter too self absorbed? Good one, except if he didn't wear Pinstripes you wouldn't say that. So what if Jeter earns $21 Mil? HE'S EARNED IT. Do you remember Jeter going face first into the stands for a ball? Apparently not, because he didn't care that he got beat up by the seat. Or that miraculous play in the 2001 ALDS to throw out Jason Giambi at Home? No of course not because he wears pinstripes. If Mantle, Ruth, or Gehrig were alive and playing today they would be making just as much or more. I can see your beef with A-Fraud or Manny "I didn't kill nobody. I didn't rape nobody." Ramirez, but Jeter? Sure maybe Derek's had plenty of women in his life, but that doesn't affect his play on the baseball diamond. Jeter doesn't talk smack, doesn't disrespect, and probably didn't roid. Maybe you are just mad because Jeter more rings, all-star selections, gold gloves, and Silver Slugger awards than you. Nothing screams sore loser like throwing the poster boy for clean (so far) under the bus because he has done things the right way. Now why don't you go NEVER win a World Series Ring?

[Sluggo4171]

sro..jeter=s overrated

[Syncopate]

Someone always seems to take their statements a leetle to far- possibly a leetle embelishment-

He said he believes current Hall of Famers who did not cheat don't want players who took performance-enhancing drugs to join them in the Hall.

Evidently those players that took a greenie or two weren't really cheating.