The Zo Zone

Where would the Phillies be right now without Kyle Kendrick?

They certainly would be more than five games behind the Mets in the NL East, and they might not have bothered to pick up Tadahito Iguchi or Kyle Lohse at the trade deadline. That's how much Kendrick has meant to this team. He has exceeded expectations, which included another strong performance last night in a 2-1 loss to the Brewers at Miller Park.

Charlie Manuel was asked afterward if he thinks Kendrick is the real deal?

He said he has been ... through his first 10 starts.

I think that's Manuel's way of saying, "He's pitched great, but we can't be relying on a 22-year-old rookie to carry us into the postseason. We need Adam Eaton, Jamie Moyer and Kyle Lohse to step up the last two months."

They do.

Can they?

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It's amazing. Rod Barajas goes on the DL yesterday with a strained right groin and Chris Coste is involved in two close plays at the plate -- that result in two Brewers runs.

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Jim Salisbury is in San Diego following Barry Bonds' home run chase. He writes about how Bonds won't have it any easier catching Hank Aaron in Petco Park, which is monstrous compared to Citizens Bank Park. Seriously, folks. You don't realize how absolutely miniature the Bank is until you go to other ballparks like Petco, Dodger Stadium and AT&T Park. It really stands out.