Hunky-dory Phillies say 'It's just a matter of time'

Over 44,000 fans braved the cold to watch Brett Myers and the miserable baseball team discover even more ways to waste our time last night. As long as the Phillies keep filling seats, nothing's going to change.

I'm writing out of a sense of duty to the site today. Fortunately, this isn't my livelihood. I can step away whenever I want. The Phillies are pushing me in that direction. Losing is not only boring, it's depressing.

Brett Myers' latest excuse is he's "pitching scared." Like a scared dog is what he said. Nope. Just the dog part, champ. Oh how the Astros laughed after Carlos Lee smashed your middle-in attempt at revenge into the seats. You're not pitching scared, Brett. You're pitching like a moron.

Pat Gillick's blueprint for building a championship is to give major league contracts to ex-players like Jayson Werth, who, by all accounts, is a garden variety Triple-A corner outfielder. He looks like he should be able to play: tall; athletic; even handsome. Werth even has a baseball pedigree. That's good enough for Gillick, a man with more jurisdiction over stone-cold stiffs than a coroner.

Finally, we've run the gammit from management to performance this season, but we haven't touched on intellect, which went missing again last night. Answering whether stupid decisions, like sending Shane Victorino with no outs from third base, will ever change, wise old poster, Nat, had this to say:

This is one thing I don't expect to change. Some of the other problems may get corrected, but the stupidity will remain. You can break out of a slump. You can recover from injury. Your luck can change. But if you are stupid, you pretty much stay that way.

Game chat: Phillies host Astros at 3:55 EST on Fox. Mash your fists against the keyboard here, in the company of others.

Comments

[GM-Carson]

Jason, you're right, this is simply depressing. I try to be funny and make light of this, keeping in mind that they will improve, but I'm not so sure of that any more.

Right now we're playing like the worst team in MLB.

2 signing this offseason that really piss me off are the Werth and Barajas deals. Jayson Werth is a high strikeout hitter who hadn't been healthy in years, yet Patty G doles out a guaranteed MLB contract...stupid! I hate watching Werth swing, as his stroke is longer than a golfer's. I've talked about my hatred of the Barajas deal before, because I think we had better options currently on the roster. Gillick is a piss-poor talent evaluator and is a taking an organization on the brink of contending and turning them into a laughingstock. I HATE this!!!

[J. Weitzel]

I have less of a problem with Barajas. He was pretty expensive, but they needed some insurance at the position. He's mostly there to catch, but he's an even worse hitter than I thought.

One move that would put a small smile on my face would be for the Phils to admit their mistake with Werth and just release him. Then, bring back Coste.

[clout]

I don't want this moment to go unnoticed from the previous thread. RSB finally sees the light on the Abreu trade:
"even I'll say that trading Abreu for next to nothing made and makes *very little sense* without a plan to adequately fill the position he vacated. I was under this strange impression that Gillick had some kind of purpose in mind when he dumped Abreu, that it was going to lead to some beneficiary moves in the near future. Apparently not."

Now if kdon admits he was wrong about the bullpen, order will be fully restored to the Beerleaguer universe.

P.S. Manuel's defense of Smith was beyond lame. It has nothing to do with the speed of the runner. When you are down 2 runs in the 8th inning with 0 outs you should NEVER take chances on the basepaths. That lead runner is not the key. He's not the tying run. So you don't force it. You keep him safe and make the other pitcher dig out of a deep hole. This is simple, fundamental, little league level baseball.

[GM-Carson]

Jason- it's a bunch of small/minor mistakes that Gillick has been making that are now turning into a big crap-heap of a problem.

By the way- remember when I was pointing out Ryan Madson's career trend and people were arguing with me? He's trash, garbage, not of any use...release him! Harsh and rash, but it will be for the better as he's not getting any better.

[clout]

Carson: Madson's performance since All-Star break 2005 speaks for itself, as you've noted. But the killer last night was Lieber giving up the 3-run HR in the 4th to Ensberg. If he held them there, game's tied 6-6 after 9, or more likely, Phils win 6-5 because Madson doesn't pitch the 9th, Gordon does. I get the impression Lieber isn't a bullpen guy.

[GM-Carson]

Gillick is a tremendous talent evaluator as he passed up or missed out on duds like Akinori Iwamura (3rd baseman from Japan that D-Rays picked up on the cheap), Rick White (serviceable reliever that would have signed in Philly for less than a mil.), Josh Hamilton (lefty-handed outfielder with tremendous upside in the Rule 5 draft), etc., etc., etc.

WTF?!

[GM-Carson]

Clout- I agree with you, as I'm not trying to say last night's loss was Madson's fault, I was just once again pointing out how absolutely sucky Madson is.

Lieber isn't made for the bullpen, and who even knows if he's made for the rotation anymore. What I do know is that his trade value is lower than ever before and we're now stuck with a 7.5 million dollar long reliever that will get dumped off for another Hector Made at best. I hate Gillick right now. In the past I defended him because he was trying to get out from under the mess Ed Wade created, but he's doing a fine job and creating his own mess right now.

[don schell]

Why is everyone surprised? I stated before the season began that this was a team of Gillick's Garbage. He is either no longer in touch with players skills or was hired to just make cheap changes. Remember why Jim Leylond was turned down? CONTROL

[GM-Carson]

True Men of Genius (Charlie Manuel we salute you)- "We just have to play better," manager Charlie Manuel said. "Back-to-back wins can change all of that. We're definitely a better team than we've shown, but we have to outplay other teams."

Well thank you Captain Obvious!

[Jon]

And to think we could have had Ryan Church for Madson straight up, but Madson was too valuable for Gillick to give up! Unbelievable...

[Bedrosian's Beard]

I don't care much about Barjas. I'm with J on him. Not happy, but he's not the main reason we stink. Werth is the biggie. THere were other OFers out there. He went with the riskiest.

[Jon]

BTW, Church is only hitting .342 with 2 HRs and 5 RBI on the young season. Nice eval, Pat.

[bathtubhippo]

maybe that's the strategy with myers. gillick will hang on to him for a few more awful starts and then consider trading him when he bottoms out.........for some guy gillick drafted in 1999. (maybe we could use another light-hitting catcher...)

[bathtubhippo]

(not that i endorse trading myers, because he *will* turn it around at some point....but i do endorse the idea that gillick could consider moving him when he hits a low for someone that he knows for a position we don't need)

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Madson was our "8th inning guy".

[Jon]

Anyone else think Rosario will waste a roster space the way Bourn currently is? Let's waste a few more young players and keep veterans like Coste down in AAA. I don't know who is more inept, Charlie, Gillick, or the owners of this franchise. Stupidity begets stupidity...

[Jon]

I'd like to see Bourn play a little more. At least he would be an upgrade out in the field. He hit pretty decent this spring too. Victorino and Rowand have done nothing to keep Bourn from making a couple starts a week. In fact, I am tired watching both Aaron and Shane, and it's only 2 weeks into the season... I think Charlie forgets that he has Bourn on the roster. I can see the same thing happening to Roasario. It will be like Castro last year. We won't see him for weeks at a time...

[An unfortunate fan]

I'm actually a bit torn by the slow start, because it should speed up Charlie's departure. At least I hope.

I would hate to see them suddenly go on a brief tear and prolong the inevitable by saving Charlie's skin a bit longer.

[J. Weitzel]

I'm not opposed to widespread change. Does Madson have options left? If so, can anyone argue against using it? It might also send a message.

[Angus]

Wheres the piss and vinegar? Bring back Coste and anyone else who takes this uninspired play personally. I was at the game at Shea when the phillies won their 2nd game of the season when the met pitcher walked in 3 runs. Bourn had a great AB in a pinch hitting role. Is he ready for the everday CF job? Not sure but what I do know is that Rowand over persues on every ball hit his way. Lieber needs to start. Perhaps Myers is worth a shot as the closer? Who knows, this is tough to watch. Manuel cant have much longer if this continues. Who are manager candidates? I wish we still had Bowa.

[Jon]

It's gotta be, either Madson being sent down, or cutting the injury risk/heart attack waiting to happen, Alfonseca!

I don't put all the blame on Madson, but he gets some blame for Game 1 (right after Manuel for letting Myers bat). There were other games when Charlie should have taken him out sooner. I remember in Florida he had pitched two scoreless innings and Charlie ran him out there for a third and he got hit hard. Come on Charlie, you weren't using him more than one inning all spring and you think he is going to get you a third scoreless inning?? I cannot wait til Manuel is gone!

[J. Weitzel]

Between a Madson option and Alfonseca release, that decision would be easy for me. At least Pulpo has shown them something.

[GM-Carson]

Small changes that could be made that could lead to a big change overall:

1. Fire Manuel. Call it a band-aid or momentary relief, but another manager won't do any worse, but could do better.
2. Demote or release Madson.
3. Trade Rowand and Lieber for whatever we can get.
4. Bring Joe Bisenius back up.
5. Lineup- Rollins, Utley, Howard, Burrell, Rollins, Helms, Victorino, Ruiz, Bourn (remember, we're trading Rowand).

*By the way, I'm not a huge fan of Alfonseca, but I think we should continue to let him pitch, as he's actually not doing that poorly.

[Jon]

You are probably right Jason. I just think it's a a matter of time before Alfonseca is on the DL. I guess you ride with him til then. Maybe you can call Madson up at that point.

[GM-Carson]

By the way, all of you that are being Charles Fuqua Manuel apologist, and are saying "it's not entirely his fault", "a manager can only do so much", and "it won't really change anything", need to think about this. He's not performing well in his job. People do get fired for that type of stuff...so RSB before you go and tell me that it makes little sense to fire Charlie, give a good reason for actually keeping the dim-witted bastard around. It's not a case of whether it's all his fault or not, bottom line is that he's not doing as well as he should, it's not like he's got a Royals offense or D-Rays pitching staff to work with, these guys are not as bad as their record suggests.

[Jon]

I am on board with you Carson. The Phils should fire Manuel and replace him with Joe Girardi or Davey Johnson. I too would like to see Bisenius come back up, however I can't see the Phils trading Rowand or Lieber at this point, even though it needs to be done! Btw, you have Rollins listed twice in your line-up.

[GM-Carson]

I want the leadoff version of Jimmy and the slugging version of Jimmy in my lineup...isn't that allowed? Ha...I simply screwed up, my bad. Jimmy in leadoff only.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

I agree with fire Manuel, but I don't see this Phillies management bringing in Girardi, after his flare ups in Fla. I wish they would. I think they'd go with (in no particular order): Williams, Lopes, Howe, Johnson.

[Greg S.]

We lost last night because Nunez wasn't in the lineup. :) He is an Astros killer!

Checkout his line against today's pitcher:
Abraham Nunez is 10-for-19 (.526) with three doubles and three RBIs lifetime against Williams.

[JB]

TEAM SYBIL - play terrible fundamental baseball despite the talent. When you think you are ready to write them off then they make a run to bring us all back into thinking that "they are the team to beat in the NL EAST".

Broken frickin' record and who knows maybe they will not rebound despite some of the horses on the starting pitching staff and 3 of the NL's best players at the positions.

I guess it had nothing to do with Abreu, Lieberthal, Bell, etc.

Better yet they should be called the WIZARD OF OZ SQUAD as they are searching for a heart, brain, and some courage.

[GM-Carson]

JB- that was a perfect line "Better yet they should be called the WIZARD OF OZ SQUAD as they are searching for a heart, brain, and some courage."

So brutually honest that it's funny.

[Greg S]

JB- that was a perfect line "Better yet they should be called the WIZARD OF OZ SQUAD as they are searching for a heart, brain, and some courage."

Yeah except the last place they want to be is home. Though Kansas might not be bad.

[GM-Carson]

George S.- jinx!

[JB]

Regardng the earlier post we can add to Cholly's nicknames THE WIZARD:

"The Wizard tries to persuade the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodsman, and the Cowardly Lion that what they lack are not brains or a heart or courage, but faith in themselves."

[timr]

If they are swept by Houston, I think that will be it for Manuel.

They obviously don't want to fire the guy, but a 2-10 start might be too much for even Gillick to ignore.

[Alby]

Even when I predicted they'd come out of the gate and fall flat on their faces, I didn't quite expect this level of suckitude.

Moves I would suggest:

1) Put Lieber on waivers. If someone claims him, they must assume his salary. At this point, he would only bring a Grade C prospect in a trade; toss him on the waiver wire and some desperate team might pick up the entire $7.5 million, which has degenerated into the best-case scenario. (BTW, I was wrong about Lieber; I thought he'd at least return to his former level of mediocrity).

2) If Madson has options left, option him. If not, time to trade him for whatever we can get. This is beginning to look like one of those "needs a change of scenery" situations. (BTW, I was wrong about Madson; I wasn't sure what to expect but thought it was too soon to give up on him. It's not too soon anymore).

3) Move Rowand for whatever he'll fetch. He's blocking Bourn, he's mediocre in the field (absolutely horrible arm, no small concern with how many throws to the infield outfielders must make with this pitching staff).

4) Fire Cholly. Actually this should be No. 1, because it's the easiest one to do. Sure, RSB, it's not all his fault -- but he's not capable of stopping the slide, either. They sucked at the beginning of last year; instead of firing Cholly when they were underperforming they traded Abreu instead. The shock woke the players up, and just when they got in a position to win it, they fell on their faces again. They came out of ST like stale soda pop; despite the supposed emphasis on fundamentals, they have played dreadful fundamental baseball. He's a lousy in-game manager. He's essentially a hitting coach who's been thrown in over his head. He's out of his depth and, literally, out of his league.

TIME TO CUT BAIT!!

[kdon]

I do like that lineup Carson with two Rollins. Sort of like what Bill James said about RIckey Henderson: "you could split him two and still have two great players."

I agree with the frustration Jason. It's difficult to root for a team when you completely disagree with almost everything the manageer and GM do. The only silver lining I see is that two of the major problems on the team so far have been Howard and Myers, and you have to assume they will pick it up.

The only problem is once the team starts winning again, this place will be dead quiet.

[Alby]

Even when I predicted they'd come out of the gate and fall flat on their faces, I didn't quite expect this level of suckitude.

Moves I would suggest:

1) Put Lieber on waivers. If someone claims him, they must assume his salary. At this point, he would only bring a Grade C prospect in a trade; toss him on the waiver wire and some desperate team might pick up the entire $7.5 million, which has degenerated into the best-case scenario. (BTW, I was wrong about Lieber; I thought he'd at least return to his former level of mediocrity).

2) If Madson has options left, option him. If not, time to trade him for whatever we can get. This is beginning to look like one of those "needs a change of scenery" situations. (BTW, I was wrong about Madson; I wasn't sure what to expect but thought it was too soon to give up on him. It's not too soon anymore).

3) Move Rowand for whatever he'll fetch. He's blocking Bourn, he's mediocre in the field (absolutely horrible arm, no small concern with how many throws to the infield outfielders must make with this pitching staff).

4) Fire Cholly. Actually this should be No. 1, because it's the easiest one to do. Sure, RSB, it's not all his fault -- but he's not capable of stopping the slide, either. They sucked at the beginning of last year; instead of firing Cholly when they were underperforming they traded Abreu instead. The shock woke the players up, and just when they got in a position to win it, they fell on their faces again. They came out of ST like stale soda pop; despite the supposed emphasis on fundamentals, they have played dreadful fundamental baseball. He's a lousy in-game manager. He's essentially a hitting coach who's been thrown in over his head. He's out of his depth and, literally, out of his league.

TIME TO CUT BAIT!!

[kdon]

ABsolutely agree with #4 Alby, that's long overdue. I don't really care who the replacement is, it will shake up the team. It should happen now though. I think the Phils will take these next two, and that might buy CHolly another week.

On the first three, I'd be against trading Rowand unless it's for a good arm; Bourn should be playing everyday...in Ottawa.

Lieber in the pen does appear to be a disaster and Madson does need to go. I still think he can be an effective pitcher, but not under Manuel. You can't pitch for a guy who doesn't believe in you.

[Greg S.]

Anyone else see this Myers quote:

"I feel I lost that Rottweiler aggression."

Still the same old immature Myers. No Brett, it isn't agression you are missing, you have that in abundance - blind agression. You need focused intelligent overpowering strength.

- Greg

[laramie]

Last October, Jason put the over/under on Manuel's firing at one month (from opening day). He made the comment in response to the new coaching staff of three former big league managers (Williams/Lopes/Howe) who were brought in to, uh, work on fundamentals. Howe of course didn't stay, which is looking more and more like a really smart career move on his part, so he gets a pass here. But the other two guys: what else can you say but total failure? The whole point of bringing in Lopes was to improve last year's miserable baserunning. If anything, we've seen it get worse. How is it that a bunch of yahoos sitting in front of their computers watching games on TV can consistently -- consistently -- make better strategic decisions than a staff of three purported baseball lifers? And this isn't just hindsight of the "watching the replay, the ball was hit too hard to score Victorino" variety. We're talking fundamental baseball axioms!

On a sort of sadly humorous note, let's take a minute to remember Gillick's great quote upon replacing the coaching staff after last season:

"These types of people can only give you comfort," Gillick said. "They have more ideas, more imagination, talk more baseball. These are the types of people we need on our staff for our manager to draw on."

[Crazy Jon]

Stop killing Rowand - he's actually played 1/2 decent the last 3 games, both in the field and at the plate.

[GM-Carson]

George S.- yes I read Myers dumbass comments. 20-30 pounds lighter, a funny looking beard, and a suit does not make him any brighter...the man is still lost mentally.

[GM-Carson]

I don't hate Rowand, I just don't see the point of him. His defense is not nearly as great as the hype. His arm is as bad as Juan Pierre's or for those that don't understand that, it's as bad at Jim Abbott's missing arm! His batting average is nothing but a bunch of singles. He hacks at everything and his walks have come more so on pitchers' wildness than patience...we don't need him!

[Crazy Jon]

Ottawa's on the local cable channel - get to watch "Everybody's All-American" = Chris Coste.

[Alan Vogel]

I am tired of watching this team pretend to contend. This will never change as long as we continue to support the team by buying tickets. Can we stop supporting this team and hope that the owners will sell the team. I do not believe that anyone else that would purchase this team could be worse than the current ownership. Also, Pat Gillick is a joke. How do we always get screwed when we make these changes. I guess when you pay peanuts you get monkeys.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Get Josh Fields (3B) and Macdougle (Relief) from the CWS. Move Helms to the bench, call up Coste.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Get Josh Fields (3B) and Macdougle (Relief) from the CWS. Move Helms to the bench, call up Coste.

[Crazy Bob]

As Bill Campbell used to say "It's time to back up the truck!".

I cracked up the night he said "Cookie Rojas has done everythig tonight but sell the tickets!".

[Greg S.]

At least something went our way retrospectively:

"The Seattle Mariners may have lost left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes for the season. "

[lekh tiztayen]

Fire Charlie, don't hire Jimy Williams. Fire Gillick (after season), don't hire Reuben Amaro Jr. Get rid of Lieber any way possible. Platoon Bourn and Rowand (even if that means Rowand only starting half of the games). Release Werth, promote Coste. When Bourn starts, we could have two good right handed bats of the bench in Rowand and Coste, as opposed to Werth whose defense has already factored prominantly in two losses and whose bat simply is not even close to as valuable as Coste or Rowand (which is not a compliment to Rowand's hitting). A potential lineup would then look something like this:
Rollins, Bourn/Victorino, Utley, Howard, Burrell, Helms, Victorino/Ruiz, Ruiz/Rowand
Why isn't Rowand the 8 hitter, isn't the 8 hitter suppossed to be a free swinger that doesn't walk a lot.
Also, Barajas shouldn't start, and is a waste on the major league roster, but we need the depth at catcher and can't option Barajas to the minors. 2-8 says use your best players and stop worrying about egos- be they the egos of players or Gillick, cut your losses now!

[Crazy Jon]

Zach Segovia is starting for Ottawa today.

[Crazy Jon]

For the Coste lovers - he's currently batting .182 in AAA.

[ROB D]

Doesn't Alfonseca look like he belongs in a neighborhood softball(dare i say it?) BEERLEAGUE?

[Tim]

is it wrong to say PG told us so?

if hamels wasn't pitching i don't think i'd watch today.

i just can't believe they are this bad. other than howard pulling an inside ball there was zero positive about yesterdays game.

it's time to move (trade, option, waive, whatever) lieber, madson, rowand, barajas, werth. coste needs to be on this team. if we're playing for 08, bourne needs work - either here or in ottowa. lieber is just eating salary and donuts, goodbye. rowand sucks and won't be back next year anyway, ditto barajas and werth. madson can pitch for someone else, he's young enough to be a player, but not here.

i've said before if chase and ryan are playing to their norm the phil's are .500 or just below, but this is pathetic. the stupidity points that have been made are right on. it's insanity!

[Crazy Jon]

Coste = 1-1, Single to Right Center.

[kdon]

If people really think Chris Coste is going to fix this team (or that waiving Madson will fix anything), it's in worse shape then we thought. What will fix this team is Myers pitching like a #1-2, Utley and Howard getting their OPS back to .900 and 1.000 respectively, and Garcia returning to the roation.

I would definately go with Ruiz as the starter, but this team's problem isn't the fringe players or Madson giving up a run in an 8-6 game. It's the failure to get hits with men on base and the failure of some of the top players on the team.

They are also doing a lot of stupid things and not playing great defense. The former can be fixed, but the latter may be one of the team's biggest problems. Burrell, Howard and Helms all appear to be not only sub-par defensive players, but flat-out brutal.

[Alby]

First off, you can't move a guy you signed as a free agent until June, I believe, so Barajas isn't going anywhere. Second, as much as I like Chris Coste, he's a backup catcher, for goodness sakes. I'd like to add him for his pinch-hitting, but it's not going to plug the hole in right field (yeah, I'm looking at you, Victorino). Victorino has gotten off lightly here at Beerleaguer, but his promotion to almost-every-day status seems to have been accompanied by his common sense taking a prolonged holiday.

This is yet another instance where many of us assumed a good season in 2006 was a sign of growth as a player that he might build on; instead he's showing why so many organizations tried him and threw him back. It looks as if the scouts who talked to Buster Olney might know more than us after all -- didn't one say the Phillies have a few stars but failed to surround them with Grade B players, instead getting Grade C players and below to fill out the ranks?

[Alby]

First off, you can't move a guy you signed as a free agent until June, I believe, so Barajas isn't going anywhere. Second, as much as I like Chris Coste, he's a backup catcher, for goodness sakes. I'd like to add him for his pinch-hitting, but it's not going to plug the hole in right field (yeah, I'm looking at you, Victorino). Victorino has gotten off lightly here at Beerleaguer, but his promotion to almost-every-day status seems to have been accompanied by his common sense taking a prolonged holiday.

This is yet another instance where many of us assumed a good season in 2006 was a sign of growth as a player that he might build on; instead he's showing why so many organizations tried him and threw him back. It looks as if the scouts who talked to Buster Olney might know more than us after all -- didn't one say the Phillies have a few stars but failed to surround them with Grade B players, instead getting Grade C players and below to fill out the ranks?

[Crazy Jon]

Coste = 1-2, K looking, Burrell-style.

[kdon]

Agreed Alby. I think signing Barajas instead of going with Coste/Ruiz was a mistake, but it isn't the problem with this team.

I'm not sure I'd call Vic a C player yet, but I do hope Olney's scout has recognized the fact that our "A" players aren't cutting it either (Hamels and J-Roll excepted).

[Greg S.]

Just a matter of 3 innings before the Phils officially become the worst team in baseball.

Washington 6, NY Mets 2 - Top 7th

- Greg S.

[Greg]

How many more losses before you start rooting against the Phils, in hopes of seeing some changes? I think today is the big one - if they lose this series, with a chance of being swept at home again, I want to see those L's pile up.

[Crazy Jon]

The fans are killing Gillick on WPHT - I love it!

[coleforcy]

I can't believe the phils came into the season thinking that this outfield is fine. Victorino would not make most major league teams. He was chosen twice in the rule 5 draft and both times was offered back to his former team. If i am not mistaken I believe his old team turned him down in each. Last year Victorino and Rowand combined to hit 11 less homers and 2 less rbis than Burrell in a season when the fans were desperate to get rid of Pat. Burrell had 358 less at bats than the 2 combined yet put up better power numbers. I can't even imagine what this team would look like if Burrell wasn't there and a star wasn't on the team as a replacement. Who gives a crap if Victorino and Rowand look like they hustle more in the field.

[Greg S.]

There you have it. The Washington Nationals with there 3 wins and .250 win percentage have taken the first step out of the cellar, putting the Phillies behind them with their 2 wins and a .200 win percentage.

The Phils need to win today or risk cementing their place in the basement of the MLB.

[Jon]

Chase!! Nice to see him come through early!!

[bsg]

can we just fire cholly and pull girardi down from the booth?!!!!!!!!

[MotownPhilly]

Do you think Joe Girardi asked specifically to do the Phillies game for Fox today so he could scout his soon to be team?

[John]

I laughed out loud (y'know, LOL'd) when I saw Girardi was announcing today. Too perfect.

[Tray]

You know, in defense of Howard, he currently has a HIGHER on-base percentage than he did last season. .425 this season, .440 after that walk. He may not really be hitting and we miss his home runs, but he's not hurting this offense nearly as much as it looks like.

[Jon]

It will be an interesting afternoon listening to Girardi comment on the Phils! Just think, a compotent managerial prospect!

[Tray]

I mean, .425 last season.

[South Jersey Mike]

Did Girardi call Rowand a great CF'er?

[John]

Think the Phils got lucky there -- didn't look like Ruiz kept Biggio off the plate.

But hey ... I'll take it.

[BloodStripes]

That was a recovery Ryano

[BloodStripes]

Big boys up. Lets go Phils. Make 'em pay!

[BloodStripes]

yeah right

[joe l]

So Williams has thrown less than 50% strikes and Burrell swings at the first pitch.

[joe]

rowand is plying like a great cf today.

[THe Dude]

yo I almost laughed last sunday when some guy named MuguFriend posted he thought the phillies would be 1-9 after this week. Looks like he'll be pretty close if tomorrow's game is rained out. There needs to be a change and it has to happen SOON!

[coleforcy]

that was huge jimmy

[BloodStripes]

Jimmy Juice!!

[Inky's Cousin]

How many is this guy gonna hit? He looks like Soriano out there.

[BloodStripes]

If the Phils aren't the team to beat. Jimmy is gonna be the man to beat.

[Jon]

Even though he made an out, it was nice to see Howard hit one to the opposite field warning track.

[Jon]

Nice hit by Nuni. I will give him credit this time.

[Josh M]

Good to see No-Mercy Nunez make the Astros play for Ensberg's mistake with two outs.

[Tray]

Well, I thought he needed to pinch-hit for Nunez there. And still do, actually.

[THe Dude]

well on the positive side at least Barajas got his first hit of the season last nite!!! WHOAAAA...it was a lead story on the phillies Spin website.

[Jon]

Nice play by Lee. Nicer clutch double by Chase! We need this one! Don't eff it up, Charlie!

[Josh M]

Good to see Utley on fire today.

[bathtubhippo]

this is why you dont give a guy repeated "days off" when he's hot...good for pat

[Josh M]

Bases clearing double for Nunez here.

[Jon]

Nuni versus Lidge. Hmmm, I wonder who will win this one...

[joe l]

Not watching the game, but I can only hope Rollins is in the dugout screaming for blood. Bases loaded, up 2, it is TIME to put them away!

[Jon]

OK, back to the sh*t list, Nuni!

[Tray]

Now why did he have to pinch-run for Pat? The Astros are liable to tie the game back up against our bullpen and we'll miss his bat, all because Manuel wanted more speed on the bases just in case Rowand or Nunez should get a two-run hit. You still have Howard out there, who's probably even slower than Pat, and if we were to be in a situation where Pat could score, you're already up 8-5, so all you're doing is marginally increasing the likelihood that we'll get a 4-run lead, at the complete expense of our offense in the late innings.

[Jon]

Wow, Rosario here?? Now??

[lekh tiztayen]

I don't have the broadcast right now so does anybody know why Charlie ran Bourn for Burrell this early? If Burrell didn't get hurt this seems to be a pretty dumb move, especially considering Burrell's clutch hit (and hitting of late) and the fact that Charlie also used Werth already as a pinch hitter. Also, why the hell is Nunez hitting seventh? We could have had Ruiz up with the bases loaded instead. This seems like one of those Manuel moves that will come back to bite us in the ass later in the game (and the season).