It’s come down to this for the “B List” Phils.
Last night slugger Ryan Howard, the reigning league MVP, tried to lay down a bunt late in the game. At least that’s what it looked like. It was kind of hard to tell.
What was not hard to figure out is the offensive malaise that continues to hover over this team, every bit as uncomfortable as the summer haze and humidity that hangs over Citizens Bank Park these days.
Last night the ace of the staff, Cole Hamels, gave up just three hits. He still got beat. It’s a little hard to win when you don’t score any runs and two of the other team’s three hits are home runs. The Phils fell 2-0.
They had plenty of chances, but seemed to hit into a double-play every time they had something going. And don’t even get me started on Carlos Ruiz. The struggling catcher is quickly becoming the poster boy for the team’s struggles. He hit into another rally-killing double play last night.
The Phils are not only watching their once comfortable cushion disappear in the National League East, they also just might be losing their grip on the psyche of the town’s fans. In other words, nice stadium, pleasant night out, enjoyable atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park. Now win something.
While their GM talks about adding “B List” pitchers to help out their struggling staff, their competitors in the NL are making bold moves, indicating they want to win now. It’s a sentiment that burns in the gut of every Phillies fan. It’s apparently not shared by the front office.
First the Brewers went out and bagged CC Sabathia. He forms a fearsome duo at the top of their rotation with Ben Sheets. Yesterday it was the Cubs’ turn. Yesterday they traded with the A’s for Rich Harden. You remember him. He’s the guy who dazzled the Phils on the West Coast last week.
Today the Phils are even in danger of being kicked off the Back Page of the paper in their own town.
The Sixers are expected today to announce they are signing the biggest name on the NBA free agent market. They are about to ink L.A. Clipper Elton Brand to a deal that is supposed to be a tad north of $80 million. It appears new Sixers GM Ed Stefanski carefully crafted a plan of action and implemented it. Now he’s about to bag the best free agent on the board. When’s the last time a Philly pro sports franchise could say that? Maybe the Eagles and their ill-fated tryst with Terrell Owens?
Ah, yes, a “Brand” name. That’s something the Phillies could use these days.
Are you listening, Pat Gillick.
Last night slugger Ryan Howard, the reigning league MVP, tried to lay down a bunt late in the game. At least that’s what it looked like. It was kind of hard to tell.
What was not hard to figure out is the offensive malaise that continues to hover over this team, every bit as uncomfortable as the summer haze and humidity that hangs over Citizens Bank Park these days.
Last night the ace of the staff, Cole Hamels, gave up just three hits. He still got beat. It’s a little hard to win when you don’t score any runs and two of the other team’s three hits are home runs. The Phils fell 2-0.
They had plenty of chances, but seemed to hit into a double-play every time they had something going. And don’t even get me started on Carlos Ruiz. The struggling catcher is quickly becoming the poster boy for the team’s struggles. He hit into another rally-killing double play last night.
The Phils are not only watching their once comfortable cushion disappear in the National League East, they also just might be losing their grip on the psyche of the town’s fans. In other words, nice stadium, pleasant night out, enjoyable atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park. Now win something.
While their GM talks about adding “B List” pitchers to help out their struggling staff, their competitors in the NL are making bold moves, indicating they want to win now. It’s a sentiment that burns in the gut of every Phillies fan. It’s apparently not shared by the front office.
First the Brewers went out and bagged CC Sabathia. He forms a fearsome duo at the top of their rotation with Ben Sheets. Yesterday it was the Cubs’ turn. Yesterday they traded with the A’s for Rich Harden. You remember him. He’s the guy who dazzled the Phils on the West Coast last week.
Today the Phils are even in danger of being kicked off the Back Page of the paper in their own town.
The Sixers are expected today to announce they are signing the biggest name on the NBA free agent market. They are about to ink L.A. Clipper Elton Brand to a deal that is supposed to be a tad north of $80 million. It appears new Sixers GM Ed Stefanski carefully crafted a plan of action and implemented it. Now he’s about to bag the best free agent on the board. When’s the last time a Philly pro sports franchise could say that? Maybe the Eagles and their ill-fated tryst with Terrell Owens?
Ah, yes, a “Brand” name. That’s something the Phillies could use these days.
Are you listening, Pat Gillick.
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