Ruben_amaro_st_pete_beach_photo

Photo courtesy St. Pete Beach Photo

Last year we started a series called The Amaro Lies, a melodramatic theme in which, I think, we only stuck with for two posts. 

Make it three.

The premise is simple: Ruben Amaro lies. It’s usually for the good of the team, or in playing his trademarked game of dick-measuring poker, but he’s a fibber. A deceptive scalawag who will look a reporter in the eye and take sheer pleasure in telling him complete and utter bullshit. He probably enjoys it more than is socially acceptable. I could see him giving the birds and the bees talk to his nieces and making up some shit to get them laughed away from their first coed experience when they show up to Bobby’s dorm room carrying a dreamcatcher and a two-foot tall wooden gnome. It's not because he wants youngsters to remain chaste, but because it’s fucking funny. He seems like that type of guy. 

Anyway, he’s already vacillated (+2) wildly this spring. Presented without comment:

On Ryan Howard

The setup: Ruben Amaro, February 25, 2012:

"The reason to see doctor was routine," Amaro said. "He might treat it. Ryan is doing fine. We don't view it as a setback."

 

The prestige: Ruben Amaro, March 15, 2012:

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Friday he expects Ryan Howard to continue to wear a protective walking boot on his left leg "for another week."

"When the wound gets healed over enough for him to take the boot off, that's what we'll do," Amaro said.

 

On Chase Utley

The setup: Ruben Amaro, March 5, 2012:

"We talked about him not playing for the first week or two weeks," he said of Utley. "We're going to ease him into it. We know he'll be ready when the bell rings. We just want to make sure he's as fresh and as healthy as he can possibly be on Opening Day."

"He seems fine," Amaro said. "We're just taking things slowly with him. There's no reason to start putting the pounding on his knees that typically he would have during this time. There's no reason to start that process now when we can start it a little bit later on."

 

Ruben Amaro, March 15, 2012:

“We talked to Dr. Ciccotti and Scott Sheridan and Chase every day about what the right timing for him and we’re just holding off for the right time, so we can get him ready physically and get him ready timing wise, and then get him going. We think he’s going to be ready for Opening Day, but once we get him on the field, we’ll know more.”

 

The prestige: Ruben Amaro, March 19, 2012:

"[Chase] is headed out of town for a few days to be evaluated by a specialist that has helped athletes overcome his issue."

“I would think it would be doubtful for him to be prepared to play second base for us Opening Day.”

“The guy’s got bad knees. We know it. And that’s a fact and we’re just trying to limit and also make sure that he’s ready to go and feeling comfortable about the bulk of the season.”

 

On Freddy Galvis

The setup: Ruben Amaro, March, 16, 2012:

“(Galvis) has done well so far,” Amaro said. “But that doesn’t mean he’s a major league second baseman yet.”

 

The prestige: Ruben Amaro, March, 19, 2012:

“We could, but I like Galvis. Has Galvis done anything to warrant not playing? He’s been our best player this spring.”

 

Somewhere, Paul Holmgren nods his head in approval.

So, all of this makes you wonder: Is Rube being honest when he says that he's not looking to trade for a replacement infielder? I says no.