Phils 8, Fools 4

Late notes from last night’s win.

How much credit does Robinson Tejeda deserve for keeping Phillies pitching from sinking? A ton. Paul Hagan had that story this morning:

Taking nothing away from the specter of losing lefthander Randy Wolf for a year or more - he's expected to decide today whether to have reconstructive elbow surgery - Tejeda certainly has lessened the level of anxiety somewhat.

Manuel said Tejeda has succeeded because he has better command and suggested that his focus has improved, that he's pitching up to the level of competition.

Said Tejeda: "Every year is not the same. I'm still working on trying to get better. But I like to compete. I hope I've showed them that I'm the guy."

Manuel sounds convinced.

"He came up basically to be a long guy," he said. "We put him in there [as a starter], because that's what we had. And he'll stay there. He's done a good job."

On the opposite side, Victor Zambrano faked his way through six innings, giving the Phils plenty of chances just like the first time they faced. The Phightins stranded 10 in this one, and for a while it looked like another wasted opportunity against a divisional foe.

Fortunately for the Phils, Kenny Lofton has gone totally nuts.

Kenny Lofton has gone totally nuts
Kenny Lofton and Chase Utley represent unique pieces the Phils never had the last few seasons. They’ll hit to opposite fields, they’re fast, and they’re clutch. They’re both aggressive, but in the right way.

No one is stepping to the plate with more confidence than Lofton, who busted the game wide open with a three-run double in the seventh. It’s insane, but when Lofton steps to the plate, my gut tells me good things will happen.

Lofton: .387 BA .455, OBP, .482 SLG, 137 ABs

Through June 14, his 10 runs created per game were tied for the team lead with Bobby Abreu.

Looking at his overall contribution, Lofton’s nine win shares is tied with outfielders like Andruw Jones, Moises Alou and Jose Guillen, with 1.9 fielding win shares good for 19th among all outfielders. Trading for Lofton has turned into Ed Wade’s greatest achievement this offseason.

Chase Utley also deserves credit for a great game, going 3-5 with a big RBI single in the seventh. Since the Polanco trade, Utley has cooled off a little, and it’s not that he’s seen many lefties since then. Chalk it up to his transition to full-time second baseman, which is easier said than done.

Thome
What can be more holly-jolly than the sight of Jim Thome plodding around the bags? It was good to see his homer. It was even better to see it land in the upper deck.

Urbina
Ugueth Urbina allowed another home run last night. Patience must be exercised with the veteran stopper as his role on this team will prove vital in the last months of the season. In the meantime, Manuel would be wise to air on the side of caution when using him in a setup role in Citizen’s Bank Park.

Manuel and the media
I agreed with Manuel’s decision to limit Tejeda to six innings. With questions regarding Padilla’s health, Tejeda could pull extra duty, plus it’s not a bad to ease the rookie into things.

I watched the press conference afterwards. The first question Cholly answered was why he pulled Tejeda after 67 pitches. It’s not the first time Manuel has been second-guessed for a decision that actually worked. But still, that slick reporter had to show Charlie who’s boss.

"You see, Mr. Manuel, where we come from, double switches and pitch counts mean something. Don't they teach you that out on the farm?"

We’re really impressed.

DJ Jazzy Jeff
The Phightins did their best Uncle Phil impression last night, grabbing the Mets by the seat of the pants and tossing them out the door, Jazz-style.

It was indeed a great night for the Phils, AND for Philadelphia-native Jeffery A. Townes, affectionately known as DJ Jazzy Jeff and popular guest star in the long-running sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air."

Townes received some kind of award (we’ll call it the award for outstanding achievement in the field of excellence) before the game.

Those who remember Jazzy Jeff know him as the better half of the ’80s rap group DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. The Fresh Prince, Will Smith, went on to achieve moderate success in television and film. Townes went on to receive ... the award for outstanding achievement in the field of excellence.

Definitive Jazz quote from the show: [Explaining a shrunken shirt] The directions on the shirt said "Hand Washed." So that's exactly what I did. Before I put the clothes in the washer, I washed my hands.

Today’s preview
Cory Lidle vs. Kaz Ishii starting in, oh, three minutes.

Comments

[mitchwilliams93]

"You see, Mr. Manuel, where we come from, double switches and pitch counts mean something. Don't they teach you that out on the farm?"

I really hope you're not defending Manuel with that comment. he hasn't a clue how to handle national league situations ESPECIALLY the double switch....

[Philthy Phil]

This is a long critique, so edit and post what you want!

I'm gonna have to disagree with the blame issue. The players are accountable, but the management should be accountable for the players, for they are the ones who brought them in.

Let me analyze what management has brought us to build this team. I can't/won't believe that Ed Wade ever thought that Jon Leiber would/could ever be an ace. If he did, we might as well write off the Phillies until he is gone. He is a 3rd starter at best for almost any team (except the Phillies of course). The team lacks a true leadoff hitter. Oh, I love(d) Kenny Lofton back when he didn't need a walker. Jimmy Rollins, is there a mirage of walks that has the Phillies continue to try and put him at the top of the order?, where he doesn't belong. Don't get me wrong, I like J-Roll, but let's not make him what he is not. Who should we blame for Mike Leiberthal? Everyone knows that a catcher wears more than any other player, which is why you have to watch what amount of money, and the length of a contract you give them. Bobby Abreu, oh yes the golden trade. Let's not ask him to hold on at first base so Thome can swing the bat towards a somewhat open infield, then again do we want him (Thome) swinging this year?? Management has to cut down on the big swingers and bring some guys in here that can play some small ball.

Solution:
Pitching.
I do agree with you that the biggest problem is pitching, but you must agree that it is the General Manager's job to acquire this pitching. This they have not done. Tell me who on the Braves has remained there during their entire run at winning the NL East. Mainly it has been pitchers that fueled the Braves engine. They also have the knowledge to recognize when a pitcher is on his way out. The Phillies have to learn to spend their money where it counts. (Pitching)

Hitting:
Again not enough small ballers on this team. We have to lose some of the big swingers. Lose Bobby Abreu. why? he is not a team player, but can be used to bring in some talent. Find a player who can/will do what it takes to get on base. (a Juan Pierre clone) Find a young catcher who can take the heavy load of catching and make Mike a backup. I know he is expensive, but he is not helping on the field. He may be more productive as a part time player. Lose David Bell, very low production from what is suppposed to be considered half of the "power corners" of baseball. Again nothing against K. Lofton, but we need a true nuiscance at first base to aggravate the opposing pitchers. Thome just needs to keep swinging and hopefully he will come around. (always was a slow starter and the injury doesn't help) besides we are stuck with him. Pat the Bat is a work in progress, but you can afford a player like this if the rest of your team is sound. Love the Utley!

Finally the main solution which will help with all other solutions, is to lose the management. They may be nice, but they don't know baseball like a person in that position should. When you are in the hunt before the trade deadline and you don't make any significant moves to make your team better, you might as well not make any moves at all.

My Phillies batting order if I had to create it for the next game...
1. Bobby Abreu (let him swing, run, or whatever he wants because he'll do it anyway)
2. Kenny L. (because everyone else strikes out, so maybe he can help move Bobby around the bases)
3. Chase. (He will bring Bobby in if he hasn't stolen home yet)
4. Thome (Show him we have confidence in him... YOU CAN DO IT!)
5. Burrel (give Jim a little protection)
6. Rollins (J-Roll can concentrate on hitting and what he is really on the team for D-FENSE, without worrying about walking or getting on base)
7. Dave Bell (because where else do you put him?)
8. Leiby (temporary fix till the young stud gets here)

Sincerely,

Philthy Phil.