It was altogether fitting the Phillies' home season ended with Jimmy
Rollins popping up for the final out. For the first time in 12 years
the Phils finished one game under .500 at the Bank. For a team some
observers in March thought was still able to contend, a losing record at
home sums up its shortcomings.
Now they go on the road
for the final six games of this miserable season. Will they continue
to run out a boatload of youngsters auditioning for spots on next year's
roster? Yes...and no. Roy Halladay gets the start this weekend. Some
commentators have seriously postulated Halladay has "earned" the right
to pitch this game given his stellar career, commitment and work ethic
and, oh by the way, the "clean bill of health" he received from the
non-medical staff of Rich Dubee and Charlie Manuel when throwing a
bullpen session the other day. File this decision under "Give Me A
Break!!!"
On another mysterious front, Chase Utley
continues to take balls at third base. Clips showing him doing
everything from charging balls to deliberately bobbling balls and
picking them up to hurry a throw across the diamond. Anyone who has
watched Utley knows how determined he is about everything baseball. The
same people will have noted he double clutches on a lot of throws to
first base. I've never seen any other second baseman except Chuck
Knobloch turn more plays into close ones on routine balls hit to
second. Utley may have the reflexes for third (though I secretly doubt
it), but he doesn't have the arm. If he gets a chance to play there
before the season ends, the Marlins' and Nats' grounds crews won't have
over-water the patch in front of home plate; they should be able to lay
down bunts without any help.
All of the Utley-to-third
nonsense is predicated on putting Freddy Galvis at second base next
season. Galvis will clearly improve the defense up the middle, but do
the Phils need another automatic out in their lineup?
The
starting rotation next year features at least two dependable pitchers
in Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee (provided the latter gets some run
support), one huge question mark in Halladay, an erratic number four guy
in Kyle Kendrick and a back of the rotation type in Vance Worley, who
had a marvelous freshman year and a sophomore year marred by injury
and...well...perhaps familiarity. Jonathan Papelbon will be the
overpaid closer. As for the middle relief and setup man? Take your
pick from a half dozen faces, or go get someone proven.
The
problem with that last suggestion is obvious: the Phils have to go and
get someone proven to play the outfield. Rumors they are interested in
B.J. Upton are disturbing to this fan. Upton has had some behavioral
issues and his bat has, too, in the last few years. Signing Upton would
be a mistake.
The Phils find themselves in the
position of a football team trailing by two or more touchdowns with
about 12 minutes remaining in the game. The temptation is to keep
throwing deep and make up ground as quickly as possible. The better
approach is take it one score at a time, mixing up the offense.
The Phils won't score all of their needs in one year, so prepare yourselves for a longer rebuilding period.
