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Jimmy Rollins’ ‘Team to Beat’ quote fueled an incredible Phillies-Mets rivalry in ’07

In January of 2007, a group of reporters gathered around Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins at a media luncheon in the Diamond Club of Citizens Bank Park. “J-Roll” and the Phillies were coming off two-consecutive seasons in which they were eliminated from playoff contention during the final weekend of the season. They acquired some much-needed pitching help in Adam Eaton and Freddy Garcia. Ryan Howard (28), Chase Utley (29) and Rollins (29) were all in the prime of their careers.

Jimmy Rollins won an MVP in 2007. (Photo by William A. Guerro/Icon Sportswire)

The group was expected to take a step forward in ’07 and the media knew that.