Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. told the gang at 94 WIP Sportsradio that this year he likely will spend most of his time focusing on the AA and AAA levels.
After what we saw on Opening Day - an 8-0 debacle against the Red Sox in which the Phils smacked all of three base hits and watched Cole Hamels surrender four home runs - I can't say I blame him.
I get the feeling a lot of people will be joining Amaro, not necessarily watching minor league ball, but avoiding the Phillies so-called major league operation like the plague.
Toss in some lousy weather, and you see the challenge the Phillies will be facing.
Take tonight for example. Game temperatures are expected in the lower 40s, with a constant threat of drizzle.
How many people do you think are going to show up for that.
The Phils enjoyed a gorgeous opening day weather-wise, with temperatures in the 70s in a sun-splashed Citizens Bank Park. More than 45,000 people packed into Citizens Bank Park.
Don't look for that to open any time soon.
I used to think the Phillies had it all figured out, that their perfect little bandbox of a park was the secret. I believed as many people were there for the party - the stadium literally was the place to be during the Phils' World Series runs. I thought they'd continue to show up just for the experience.
I was wrong. You have to win.
And this Phillies team is not going to win.
Cole Hamels told us that much in his statement to USA Today in the offseason. The Phils' ace admitted he wanted to go somewhere he could win, and that he knew that was not going to happen in Philadelphia.
A cynic would say Hamels didn't help matter much with his outing on Opening Day.
It's going to be a long summer.
And tonight, which will feel a lot more like winter, the echoes of glory past will likely be about the only thing echoing through Citizens Bank Park.
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