So much for the preliminaries. Now it’s time for the Main Event.
The Phillies, fresh off a successful road trip that could have been perfect were it not for two blown save opportunities by last year’s perfect man, closer Brad Lidge, hit the Big Apple tonight.
They play three games against the Mets, with the chance to either bury them, or limp out of town all even. Right now the Phils lead the Mets by three games.
For his part, Charlie Manuel says he’s not worried about two of his slumping stars, shortstop Jimmy Rollins and the aforementioned Lidge.
Manuel dropped Rollins down in the batting order Sunday in L.A. in an attempt to get him going. He didn’t seem to think it’s any big deal and it is likely Rollins will be back in his familiar spot at the top of the batting lineup tonight.
Same goes for Lidge. When the 9th inning rolls around tonight, look for Lidge to head for the mound.
That’s one of the best things about Manuel. His calm, down-home demeanor is not an act. That’s the way he goes about his job. It paid dividends last summer, when Manuel stayed the course, and the team responded in September.
Maybe the fans should take a clue from the manager.
The Phillies, fresh off a successful road trip that could have been perfect were it not for two blown save opportunities by last year’s perfect man, closer Brad Lidge, hit the Big Apple tonight.
They play three games against the Mets, with the chance to either bury them, or limp out of town all even. Right now the Phils lead the Mets by three games.
For his part, Charlie Manuel says he’s not worried about two of his slumping stars, shortstop Jimmy Rollins and the aforementioned Lidge.
Manuel dropped Rollins down in the batting order Sunday in L.A. in an attempt to get him going. He didn’t seem to think it’s any big deal and it is likely Rollins will be back in his familiar spot at the top of the batting lineup tonight.
Same goes for Lidge. When the 9th inning rolls around tonight, look for Lidge to head for the mound.
That’s one of the best things about Manuel. His calm, down-home demeanor is not an act. That’s the way he goes about his job. It paid dividends last summer, when Manuel stayed the course, and the team responded in September.
Maybe the fans should take a clue from the manager.
Comments