Dear Readers of Philly MetroBlogs,
In my most recent post entitled “Ryan Howard goes on the DL,” I wrote that the Phillies had placed their first baseman and the reigning National League on the Disabled List. Howard, who had been nursing his left quad for the past few games, is scheduled to be on the DL until May 25th.
It was brought to my attention this evening from loyal reader and avid fan, Colin, that none of the people reading Philly MetroBlogs “cares what (I’m) listening to or what (I’m) drinking, and by all means, no one gives two shakes at a monkey’s paw what in the name of the Heavenly Father (I’m) blabbering about.” I am assuming that Colin was not reacting to my writing about Howard, but instead reacting to the list that appeared at the end of the blog. This does not really effect me at all or affect me at all. Nor does it make me feel bad. I am pretty sure that there is someone else out there (besides Colin) who also enjoys Vitamin water, and my inability to decide between Lemonade and Relaxation Vitamin water resonated with them. I also have talked to several people who all agree that yes, Justin Timberlake’s lastest album is great driving music. Big White (who is rarely ever wrong) had it in regular rotation in his Caddy before he started listening to the new Timbaland album all the time.*
But that nonsense aside. The real tragedy of Colin’s comments is the lack of sensitivity being shown toward Howard. Ryan Howard has quickly become a sports icon in Philadelphia and not mentioning him in a comment bashing a post written about him and his injury is frankly, quite insulting. A strained left quadricep is a serious injury and the potential of this year’s Phillies greatly rests on Howard’s shoulders. We sports fans in Philadelphia should not be concerned with trivial issues such as the Eagles’ imaginary Quarterback controversy, the Phillies’ horrendous bullpen, or Big or mine’s desire to drive and listen to Timberlake. Howard hasn’t gotten off to a good start this season, and despite his pinch-hit Grand Slam last week in Arizona, has failed to light even the smallest flame underneath the Phils. I am not saying that his injury is going to be the make or break point for the season. But I am saying that it is a subject far more important than my love of the new Spouse record.**
So please, if you’re going to bash one of my posts, at least pick the proper section to bash.

Thank you for your cooperation.
Ryan

* Big defines good driving music as something with a steady beat, that he can bob his head too. Thus, Big is a huge fan of listening to hiphop while he drives, and before Timberlake, was a huge fan of the Roots’ latest album, Game Theory.
** Spouse is a great indie-rock/pop band out of Northampton, Mass. Check them out at www.spousemusic.com.

Related posts:

1. Ryan Howard goes on the DL
2. Ryan Howard, NL Rookie of the Year
3. Ryan Howard Wins Home Run Derby
4. Phils Manager Flips On Howard Eskin
5. Fightin’ Phils Report