The Florida Marlins are 5-17 in their last 22 games.
They are 3-1 against the Phillies in that span.
They are 2-16 against everybody else.
The Phillies lost last night to the Marlins, 6-3.
The Phillies quite simply are playing bad baseball at the worst possible time. It started last Saturday when J.D. Durbin allowed seven runs without retiring a batter in a 12-6 loss to Florida at Dolphin Stadium. It continued Sunday when Adam Eaton could not hold a five-run lead in a 7-6 loss to Florida. They lost 5-1 to Atlanta on Monday, with Charlie Manuel acknowledging Sunday's loss might have carried over into Mondays' game. They won Tuesday, but then on Wednesday suffered the worst loss in baseball this season when they blew a six-run lead in the eighth inning.
Then last night happened.
They're now six back in the NL East with 22 games to play, making the division title a remarkable long shot at this point. They remain three games back in the NL wild card, but other teams have caught the Phillies (like Colorado) or are catching up (like Atlanta). The more teams you need to leap frog, the harder it is.
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The latest Philliescast is up.
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The Phillies shuffled their rotation through Sept. 23, and made those plans without Cole Hamels in mind. Hamels has been cleared to play catch today, which he will. But I think it's safe to say Hamels will not be back on the mound until Sept. 17 at the earliest, if at all.
John Ennis starts tonight.
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Some minor-league fall schedule updates:
Florida Instructional League
- Lefthander Joe Savery will participate in the FIL from September 17-29 prior to his AFL assignment.
- First baseman Michael Durant replaces first baseman Karl Bolt.
- Outfielder Quintin Berry has been added to the roster.
- Second baseman Brad Harmon has been moved from the HWL to the FIL.
Arizona Fall League
- Righthander Scott Mathieson’s spot on the roster has been taken by righthander Patrick Overholt, who was originally slated for the HWL.
Hawaiian Winter League
- Righthander Andrew Cruse will replace Overholt.
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Comments (4)
Well, at least we got the Victorino "thing" settled...
So today's another day, right? Somebody needs to check the team for a pulse; still, it's hard to pile on them. A lot can happen in the next 22 games - or not. I love the team and the fight, either way.
Posted by John in LA | September 8, 2007 12:20 PM
Posted on September 8, 2007 12:20
If Charlie, can pull them of this downslide, I'll be shocked..This team may have run out of lives,forget about losses to Florida, thats not the issue. Phillie fans used to love playing the role of spoiler..Their all pro's, look at last nights results. Phils aren't the only team to lose to a weaker opponent..Sooner or later, this pitching staff, would start showing their true colors.. How's this keep our interest ? I haven't a clue..Howard's body language is telling me he's done..This team has to piggyback on Chase's back..It's preety sad when your stopper, was in double A a few months back.. Enjoy it while it lasts, a few wins and the spirit rises..Play-offs or not, this team can't throw in the towel. I don't think its in their make-up..I hope.. Hopefully this run will teach the fans to stay behind their team to the end.. What's the alternative? The fans can quit. If that's the case they can't blast the team ,because they in fact are quitting themselves.. Screw that fat lady ! GO PHILS......
Posted by Pat H | September 8, 2007 12:52 PM
Posted on September 8, 2007 12:52
Playoffs or not, who can honestly say (after looking at the current roster) that we'd be in such good shape this late in the season?
If you told me in March that the Phillies would still be in contention after:
---Lieber and Garcia went down for the year
---Eaton and Hamels spent time on the DL
---Six rookies made starts throughout the season
---Utley, Howard, Victorino and Bourn all missed significant time with injuries
and
---Third basemen have combined for 13 HRs
I would've told you 'You're ridiculous.'
Needless to say, it's been a fun run no matter what the end result is.
Posted by V | September 8, 2007 8:57 PM
Posted on September 8, 2007 20:57
They may be frustrating at times, but they Never quit. GO Phils!!
Posted by AP | September 9, 2007 1:13 AM
Posted on September 9, 2007 01:13