Meeting And Greeting

Charlie, meet John Mayberry, your new left-fielder. Raul can come off the bench as your left-handed pinch hitter because it's no longer a question of whether or not John Jr. has earned a starting spot.

As long as we're meeting and greeting, Charlie, meet your new seventh inning guy for the post-season in Vance Worley. Of course, his role will be determined by the health of the big four.

As long as we're saying hello (and goodbye), Charlie, meet Michael Stutes, former phenom who appears to be returning to earth with a thud.

And also on the greeting front, Charlie, meet Placido Polanco, not only the ultimate pro but apparently possessor of at least nine baseball lives. He comes back from the DL, gets multiple hits and fields his position well. Placido is not going quietly.

* * * * * * * *

Scoring nineteen runs against the Mets in the first two games of this series just doesn't quite approach the level of satisfaction it might have years ago given how decimated and dismal the New Yorkers are. Still, the Phils have to feast on the never-rans as the Braves keep winning.