I have been away from the team for a week, so last night kind of struck me.
The Phillies bullpen blew a three-run lead in last night's 7-6 loss in 11 innings to the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The pitchers Charlie Manuel had to count on? Lefthander Mike Zagurski, who opened the season in single-A Clearwater. Righthander Jose Mesa, who the Detroit Tigers released earlier this month. Lefthander J.C. Romero, who the Boston Red Sox released earlier this month. Righthander Antonio Alfonseca, who only had one other team offer him a big-league contract in the off-season. And righthander J.D. Durbin, who was with four organizations in a span of 17 days earlier this season.
Manuel, who is in the final season of his contract, has no chance.
The Phillies have to try to stay close until Brett Myers and Tom Gordon come back. I hear both are expected back before the end of the month. Gordon is close, unless he suffers a setback. Myers throws a bullpen session today at Coors Field. If it goes well, he could head out for a rehab assignment.
Again, for what it's worth, I hear both are expected back before the end of the month.
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Manuel said righthander Ryan Madson was unavailable last night.
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Chris Coste made his second straight start last night, and he seems to understand his performance has no bearing on his standing with the team. It sounds like Manuel would love to keep him. But if recent history is any indicator, the front office will continue with Rod Barajas and Carlos Ruiz.
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In case anybody missed it, former Phillies pitcher Ryan Franklin signed a two-year extension with the St. Louis Cardinals.
This just shows how desperate teams are for good pitching. Franklin is having a great season, but the Cardinals certainly wasted no time extending him.
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There's a barbershop harmony convention in Denver this weekend, and no fewer than a billion of them are staying at my hotel. I've heard plenty of singing like this so far.
Last year I was in San Diego for Comic-Con, where you run into people like this.
What's next?
Comments (4)
What is there to say...? Year in, year out, the Phil's upper management just won't give us a true winner. Playoffs anybody? Do we even remember what that is about?
I for one, am not going to spend one dime on anything "Phillies" until this team makes the playoffs again. I love my Phills, but I can't stand this.
Another depressing year.
Pat Gillick? Too little, too late.
Please guys. Give the city a real team again.
Posted by Benjamin F. Tisdale III | July 7, 2007 5:58 PM
Posted on July 7, 2007 17:58
Maybe, for me, the worst loss of the year. And yet you're right - it's amazing they're where they are with the pitching they've had.
Kendrick is a really nice story; hopefully he's the real deal. We'll see.
Posted by John in LA | July 7, 2007 8:32 PM
Posted on July 7, 2007 20:32
Comic-cons and barbershop singing have nothing on the Furries, as the Brewers found out. Check out this deadspin item:
http://tinyurl.com/ys5rzr
Posted by Joe in Philly | July 8, 2007 12:36 AM
Posted on July 8, 2007 00:36
eeeeeeeekkk!! im a tattoo artist and i absolutly love kurt cobain!!! OMG
Posted by ericka raiger | November 15, 2007 3:40 PM
Posted on November 15, 2007 15:40