The Zo Zone

Charlie Manuel likes to say, "Watch the game."

He doesn't mean that as an insult to anybody. He means, "Don't just remember what happened at the end. Remember what led us to that point." In other words, everybody will remember how Brett Myers' two wild pitches led to a 5-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs last night at Wrigley Field. But the Phillies also left 12 runners on base. They had the bases loaded with no outs in the top of the first inning, but scored just once.

They had other opportunities, too.

Could the absence of Chase Utley, Shane Victorino and Michael Bourn be catching up to them?

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In case you were wondering why Manuel let J.C. Romero pitch after he walked the bases loaded in the eighth inning, he had little choice. Tom Gordon was unavailable because of shoulder tightness.

Gordon said he is not concerned, but it's clear Manuel can't count on Gordon too much right now.

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Tadahito Iguchi could take ground balls at third base at some point. He will need a place to play once Utley returns from the disabled list.

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Jim Salisbury writes about how much Bud Selig just loves following the Barry Bonds Circus.

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ESPN's Jayson Stark gives his stake on the Phillies' performance at the trade deadline.

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Spliterati gives its take on Julio Mateo.

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Just a terrible tragedy yesterday in Minneapolis. Keep those folks in your thoughts and prayers. I attended the University of Minnesota and the 35W bridge is next to campus. In fact, I spent a summer in a house on the corner of 8th and University Avenue, which is blocks from there. I know that area well.