Judging by Arthur Rhodes’ comments about Cory Lidle’s internet habits, it seems likely one of the former Phillies right hander’s first orders of business upon settling in the Big Apple was to open a cable account. If so, let’s hope he went for the full package – internet, TV and VOIP – and recorded the first two games his former mates played in St. Louis.
If he did, he’d discover someone apparently failed to remind these guys there was no point to putting out for the remainder of 2006.
For the second night in a row the Phillies got lots of offense from their new-look lineup and pounded the Cards in brutally hot Busch Stadium. If it’s any consolation, it wouldn’t have been any cooler back home, boys.
David Dellucci continues to deliver in his new starting role. Chris Coste continues to deliver clutch hits. Jimmy Rollins continues to provide ignition, spanking the second pitch of the evening for a home run and delivering another one late in the game. Jimmy also seems to be feeding off Chase Utley’s pursuit of his team record consecutive game hitting streak. Speaking of the streak, which Utley assiduously avoids doing himself, the Phils’ All-Star second baseman topped a ground ball to the pitcher in his fourth at bat of the game and beat it out for an infield single. As they say, it looked like a line drive in this morning’s box score. The official scorer originally ruled Utley reached on a fielder’s choice, but the ruling was changed to a hit. All of this became moot when Utley singled again in his last at bat of the evening.
One interesting side note to Utley’s pursuit of history was an item in a piece by Jim Salisbury in this morning’s Inquirer noting that Utley’s silence on the streak extends to conversations with his best friend on the team, fellow southern Californian Mike Lieberthal. I mention this because only a week or so ago, a grossly irresponsible commenter on another blog “reported” his “source” informed him Lieberthal was “despised” in the Phillies’ clubhouse. Let’s just say it is highly unlikely the heir apparent to the role of team leader would consider a pariah his best friend.
Cole Hamels goes tonight for the Phils. The start should be considered a big one both for the young left hander and the Phils. If they can sweep the Cards in their own backyard they will have a lot of momentum as they head to New York for a weekend series with the Mets.
4 comments:
Great stuff about Utley and Lieberthal. I've often wondered how the Phillies get all these California guys. It seems like the other states aren't so well represnted -- at least there's always Coste giving his best for North Dakota. Lidle needs to look into some kind of TiVo system for himself that the Yankees PR people can use pause him mid-gaffe.
Speaking of states, when was the last time Pennsylvania had a HS baseball team ranked in the Top 50? It seems like it's been ages since I've seen a single PA team or H.S. player mentioned in an issue of Baseball America.
How about Shane Victorino doing one of the important little things in baseball on that play, dancing off the 3b bag long enough to distract the pitcher and help cause that ill timed throw.
If more Phillies do that sort of thing on a regular basis, we might have a team again.
Excellent point, Rev.. He is the type of guy who makes things happen. I was glad to see him get that triple.
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