Take a close look at this photo. No, this is not some minor league stadium.
This is Citizens Bank Park.
How far we've fallen from the Phillies' glory days.
Granted, the weather was not great yesterday. It was raw and rainy. But there were entire sections of the park that had no one sitting in them. The game was moved up to a noon start from 7:05 because of the bad weather.
More rain is expected tonight and over the weekend.
Here's an unsolicited suggestion for the Phillies as they close out the season with three more home games against the Marlins. With rain looking like a factor for all three games, why not just open the turnstiles and say anyone who wants to come can get in free?
It's the least they can do after one God-awful summer of baseball.
After playing dead for too much of the season, NOW the Phillies decide to put up a fight.
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I have to admit, I admire the trait, even if they are in the process of blowing the No. 1 pick in the draft.
The Phillies completed a sweep of the Mets at a soggy, solitary Citizens Bank Park yesterday. And for those of you bemoaning the fact that for Phillies Chase Utley, Jimmmy Rollins and Cole Hamels are headed for the playoffs while the Phils play for pride, there is a silver lining.
His name is Jerad Eickhoff. He's the righthander the Phillies got in the deal that sent former ace Hamels to the Texas Rangers. (And oh by the way, the Rangers clinched a Wild Card spot yesterday and are taking aim at the AL West title).
Eickhoff is looking more and more like a gem.
Yesterday he struck out 10 Mets and did not give up a run over seven innings. The right-hander has now evened his record at 3-3, while lowering his ERA to an impressive 2.65.
It is not hard to envision him as a solid No. 2 starter behind Aaron Nola as the Phils continue the rebuilding process.
Rob Parent has all the details from yesterday's game, which apparently was attended by lots of people dressed up as blue seats. I've never seen Citizens Bank Park that empty.
Where have you gone Jimmy, Chase and Cole? Oh, that's right. They're going to the playoffs.
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