Quick Stains: Apirl 14th

The Phillies aren't quite doing so hot, in case you didn't notice. Maybe that 2-8 record was the first clue. Here's whats going wrong:

1. The lineup. I don't know what the deal with seating Pat Burrell was last night, but he's swinging the hottest bat on the team with the possible exception of J-Roll. He should be starting every game and he should not be removed unless we have a lead to protect going into the seventh or eigth inning.

2. Bad baserunning. I've watched Shane Victorino tagged out on poor baserunning. I've watched Ryan Howard tagged out and not advance on throws. I've watched it all.

3. The obvious one, the bullpen. We can't win with Ryan Madson letting up a home run every inning he pitches.

4. RUNNERS LEFT ON BASE. This is gross. How many times can you watch a team leave the bases loaded with no outs and then attempt to watch the next inning? It's atrocious.


What are we to do? Well, Manuel is going to be fired if this keeps up, of that there can be no question. Will this keep up? I really doubt it. I don't think this team can be this bad for much longer. There's just too much talent. Howard's swing is improving bit by bit, and that's big for the offense. In terms of breaking the slump, there's some important things we need to do.

1. Win a game BY A LOT. I'm talking like 7-0. 10-4. Something big to show that our offense can step up.

2. Take a series. You know, two out of three games? That could be good for the club.

3. Get Myers' head on straight. This guy is our ace, and with the exception of the first game, he's pretty much pitched like shit.

Phils play the Astros again tonight. Maybe they can win their first game of the year at Citizen's Bank Park. Stranger things have happened.

Don't lose the faith if you can help it.