Boos "Ring" Out on Undeserving Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher Adam Eaton

Picture this: A chilly April day in Philadelphia. Phillies fans have packed into Citizens Bank Park to watch their beloved Phils get their World Series rings they deserve. The players begin to get called.

The PA announcer starts by naming the Phillies who could not attend. Then players who are in attendance, yet no longer members of the Phillies begin to hear their names. The PA announcer reads from his sheet, "Pitcher. Adam Eaton!"

Huh?

Is this the same pitcher the team told to just go home in September last year? Let me get this straight. Eaton, who at many times during the season looked to be single-handedly trying to ruin this run for the Phillies, got a ring on Wednesday afternoon.

It is bad enough the Phillies had to extend an invitation his way. But what is worse is that he actually accepted it. It is one thing if you are Pat Burrell and you actually contributed to the World Championship.

But when you go 4-8 with an ERA just a shade under 6.00, as well as being told you are not wanted around the team for the playoff run, why in the world would you come to that ceremony?

It could be for many different reasons. Maybe Eaton likes public embarrassment, which Phillies fans rightfully gave him when they rained down boos as his name was called.

Or, like many other outsiders, he wanted Philadelphia fans to receive bad publicity from the national media. However, that might take a little too much thought for him.

Regardless of the reason, Philadelphians did not react wrongfully. The fans in this town understand the game. They know who contributed and who did not. They booed when Tom Gordon was called as well.

He was smart enough to wait for the FedEx truck to bring him his ring. Eaton joined a list of overpaid, over-hyped pitchers that have come through this organization over the years.

The only difference is this Front Office knew to get rid of him before he could destroy their season or do something stupid (Remember Andy Ashby and his hand gestures?).

Eaton does not even deserve a ring, but that's another topic for another day. But Adam, here is my advice for you. Next time you get invited anywhere and you know for a fact it was a forced invite, do not show up. You’re only embarrassing yourself.