Front and back views of Ruben Amaro walking through terminal

Front and back views of Ruben Amaro walking through terminal

On one hand, Ruben Amaro has kind of that Scott O’Neil-approachable-everyman-exec thing going on. To his credit, he’s willing to take it on the chin by being the team’s spokesman during the toughest of times. He’s smug, but has a fan-like enthusiasm and seems to genuinely enjoy a life in the game he loves. And overall he doesn’t seem like a bad dude. But my God, would it kill him or the Phillies – a team that’s had a payroll north of $150 million every year since 2011 – to pony up for first-class or even a direct flight?

The Winter Meetings, which were held in San Diego, concluded yesterday, and after what was surely a long, laborious few days for Rube, he undoubtedly could’ve used some peace and quite in first or even business class. But nope, he had to connect through Chicago…

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… and fly coach back to Philly with exactly the sorts of mongrels who would take his picture and send it to a sports blog:

Rube, satisfied with himself for landing two high-A pitchers in return for Jimmy Rollins

Rube, satisfied with himself for landing two high-A pitchers in return for Jimmy Rollins

This all of course comes on the heels on Rube slumming it on the floor of Tampa International just hours before Game 7 of the World Series. I mean, maybe it’s because there’s no one in charge to sign his expense reports, but please, if we’re going to keep Amaro around and let him oversee the most important rebuild in team history, can we at least get him some better travel accommodations? Is that too much to ask?

pics via (@BR_iTodd), who has a great handle