The Phillies have the National League East right where they want them.
A game ahead of them.
Someone might want to remind the defending World Series champions that they are no longer playing exhibition games. Starting last night these count in the standings.
You’d be hard-pressed by the Phils showing last night. Offensively they did nothing against Braves starter Derek Lowe, managing just a couple of hits through eight innings.
On the mound, Brett Myers, forced into opening night starter status by the cranky left elbow of Cole Hamels, struggled. With Myers, that means long balls. Last night they should have handed out batting helmets in the outfield bleachers.
Myers surrendered three dingers, including a monster shot by Brian McCann, a laser off the bat of Jeff Francoeur, and the first major league hit for rookie Jordan Schafer.
It took all of 17 minutes for the defending champs to be greeted by that most familiar of Philly chants, booing.
Relax, Phillies fans. This is nothing new. You can make the argument that this is actually this team’s M.O. They’re not comfortable unless they’re behind.
But they certainly put a few smudges on what was a celebration of last fall’s World Series victory.
They have 161 more chances to defend their crown.
It’s likely most of them will be as big a letdown as last night was.
A game ahead of them.
Someone might want to remind the defending World Series champions that they are no longer playing exhibition games. Starting last night these count in the standings.
You’d be hard-pressed by the Phils showing last night. Offensively they did nothing against Braves starter Derek Lowe, managing just a couple of hits through eight innings.
On the mound, Brett Myers, forced into opening night starter status by the cranky left elbow of Cole Hamels, struggled. With Myers, that means long balls. Last night they should have handed out batting helmets in the outfield bleachers.
Myers surrendered three dingers, including a monster shot by Brian McCann, a laser off the bat of Jeff Francoeur, and the first major league hit for rookie Jordan Schafer.
It took all of 17 minutes for the defending champs to be greeted by that most familiar of Philly chants, booing.
Relax, Phillies fans. This is nothing new. You can make the argument that this is actually this team’s M.O. They’re not comfortable unless they’re behind.
But they certainly put a few smudges on what was a celebration of last fall’s World Series victory.
They have 161 more chances to defend their crown.
It’s likely most of them will be as big a letdown as last night was.
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