Halladay is famous for his ferocious fitness regime and incredible focus as he prepares for his starts. His approach is no different than the solitary-style programs followed by pitchers of the past, such as Steve Carlton and Roger Clemens. But while Lefty and The Rocket were considered selfish boors who put their own needs in front of the team, Doc is celebrated for dancing to his own drummer because, well, he's a "nice guy".
While he might be nice, however, Halladay isn't perfect.
He refused to pitch at the World Baseball Classic in Toronto last March, even though his participation would have been a huge help in promoting baseball in the city. But rather than rip Doc for his decision, the media quickly came to his defence by claiming the WBC would ruin Roy's spring training routine.
Give me a break.
The fact is, Halladay has never come close to pitching in a playoff game and the incredible atmosphere during the Canada-USA tilt at the WBC would seem to be a much better preparation exercise than facing the Pirates on a Tuesday down in Dunedin.
Halladay is also well-known for talking to the media only when he sees fit and heading into his much-anticipated showdown with former Jays teammate A.J. Burnett, Doc decided to keep his thoughts to himself. During his Hall of Fame career, Carlton never talked to reporters and Clemens had a pick-and-choose media relations method. But while Carlton and Clemens were crucified for clamming up, Halladay once again seems to be above reproach.
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