Monday, July 04, 2005

Redefining the phrase "slugging outfielder"

Being somewhat close to Philadelphia, I tend to follow the misfortunes of the city's major league baseball team, the Phillies.
The news hasn't been good lately. As usual, they're falling into their traditional also-ran status.
But they're still our Fightin' Phillies, as this Associated Press dispatch demonstrates:
PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Jason Michaels was arrested early Sunday after allegedly punching a police officer outside a city nightclub, authorities said.
Michaels, 29, spent nine hours in custody before he was released on his own recognizance at about noon, said Philadelphia police Cpl. Jim Pauley.
"Jason Michaels is not a bad guy," manager Charlie Manuel said. "He's a pretty good guy. Sometimes you do some things and you get in trouble. That doesn't make it right or nothing, but he's a good guy."
Michaels was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, simple assault and reckless endangerment. Officer Timothy Taylor sustained minor injuries in the incident, Pauley said.
"He punched a Philadelphia police officer and wrestled him to the ground, in the process ripping the police officer's shirt," Pauley said. "It took four officers to control him."
Police were dispersing a crowd in the Old City entertainment district just before 3 a.m., the spokesman said. Everyone moved on willingly except Michaels, he said.
Michaels, a native of Tampa, Fla., is listed at 6 feet and 205 pounds. He has a .297 average with three home runs and 18 RBIs in 158 at bats this season.
Michaels' attorney, Theodore Simon of Philadelphia, said his client is entitled to the presumption of innocence. Michaels is due to appear in court on Thursday.
So it goes, eh?