You can ignore most of the frivolity that accompanied the Boys of Summer returning to an October-like chilly Citizens Bank Park last night for the first of two “feel-good” On Deck exhibition games vs. the Pittsburgh.
Yes, that was Charlie Manuel selling tickets. And Roy Halladay offering fans a ride to their section in a Phillies golf cart.
Cute.
But there is one thing you might want to take note of from last night’s win over the Pirates. (By the way, get used to seeing the Pirates. The two teams play another exhibition tonight before heading across the state to kick off the regular season Thursday in Pittsburgh.)
Make note of the final score, a 4-3 win for the Phils.
Get used to it.
The Phils are going to play a lot of games like this as they seek to defend their National League East crown.
They are without their two biggest power hitters, with Chase Utley and Ryan Howard on the shelf and likely not appearing any time soon.
Last night the Phils featured a lineup with Juan Pierre in the leadoff spot and Jimmy Rollins in the 3 hole. If Pierre can be anything close to the guy who used to torment the Phils from that perch, Charlie Manuel might be on to something. The idea is for Pierre to beg, borrow or steal his way on. That usually converts to a run, very often after Pierre steals second.
Just don’t call it “small ball.” Manuel hates that term.
The Phils this year will try to prove all the critics wrong, that they can in fact change their tactics at the plate, work the county, hit behind runners and “manufacture” runs. That’s what they did last night. Pierre scored two runs. Rollins knocked in two. Shane Victorino and Freddy Galvis stole bases.
This is the new-look Phils. They will rely on their dominant starting pitching, then turn the game over the Jonathan Papelbon to slam the door.
4-3. 2-1. 3-2.
Get used to seeing those numbers a lot this year.
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