It's time to get going.
The Phillies open a 10-game homestand tonight at Citizens Bank Park with a 15-19 record. They would need to go 7-3 against the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Bue Jays at home to reach .500 for the first time this season. If they finish the homestand at 6-4 (a two-game swing) there's a good chance they won't be .500 before they enter June. Consider for a second that this team barely missed the playoffs in three of the last four seasons (2003, 2005 and 2006). They were 19-15 at this point last season and in 2003, while they were 15-19 in 2005.
So what's the cure?
Pat Gillick said it's time for the middle of the lineup to get its act together. Pat Burrell and Wes Helms have a combined one home run this season. One. Ryan Howard has struggled. There's no question the Phillies' four, five and six hitters have been a disappointment in terms of driving in runs, but in my mind the bullpen and struggles from Freddy Garcia and Adam Eaton have played a bigger factor. The Phillies are third in runs scored, but maybe what Gillick is saying is that because there's no chance to upgrade the pitching this is the only way this team can get on the right track.
Phil Sheridan writes about Charlie Manuel's job status. Should he stay? Should he go? Sheridan writes that firing Manuel probably won't solve much becuase this team is seriously flawed. I agree. Like I wrote in a post last week in San Francisco, I would love to see Lou Piniella or Jim Leyland try to win with this bullpen.
By the way, Gillick said, "Yep," when asked if he still is happy with Manuel's performance.
I don't think Manuel is going anywhere anytime soon.
