Some news before today's doubleheader started ...
The Phils designated reliever Ryan Franklin for assignment and activated left-hander Randy Wolf, who is starting Game 1 of the doubleheader. The Phillies have until Aug. 9 to trade or release Franklin.
Franklin, 33, was 1-5 with a 4.58 ERA in 46 appearances. He signed a one-year, $2.6 million contract in January with the idea that he’d be in the Phils’ starting rotation, but he was moved to the bullpen late in spring training in favor of Gavin Floyd.
Floyd posted a 7.29 ERA in 11 starts and was sent to the minors. Franklin never grew comfortable with the relief role, allowing 10 homers in 53 innings.
“When I first signed here, they signed me to be a starter, and I did nothing in spring training to make them think I couldn’t start,” said Franklin, who posted a 3.38 spring-training ERA. “Then, they put me in the bullpen. I thought that was a mistake on their part, but I didn’t gripe or nothing.”
After right-hander Jon Lieber tore his groin May 29, Franklin said he approached manager Charlie Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee at least twice to volunteer his services in the rotation.
Both times, Franklin was told he was more valuable in the bullpen because of his ability to bounce back and pitch multiple days in a row.
The Phillies called up left-hander Eude Brito and right-hander Scott Mathieson from the minors. They also claimed Kansas City Royals castoff Adam Bernero and gave him a spot start June 30 at Toronto.
Neither Brito nor Bernero pitched well, and their stays with the Phillies were short-lived. The Phillies starting rotation had a National League-worst 5.51 ERA.
“The whole time, I see them bring up these young guys who haven’t proven themselves,” Franklin said. “It just keeps on piling on. Sooner or later, it gets to you.
“I think everybody on the whole coaching staff knew I wanted to start. It really wore on me mentally. I tried to put it out of my mind and get through it.”
Manuel said he offered Franklin a chance to start July 2 at Toronto, but Franklin preferred to remain in the bullpen rather than making a spot start.
“He said he didn’t want it to be a one-game thing,” Manuel said. “I thought I was honest and open with him the whole time. I felt he could throw a couple innings out of the bullpen. I felt that would help the team and help his career.”
Sunday, July 30, 2006
July 30: PREGAME -- BOBBY TO THE BRONX?
Indications are that the Phillies and Yankees are close to completing a deal that would send Bobby Abreu and either Cory Lidle or Jon Lieber to New York for a bunch of prospects. None of those prospects, however, would be pitcher Philip Hughes or outfielder Jose Tabata, the Yankees' top blue-chippers.
If it doesn't seem like the Phillies are getting enough for Abreu, there's a reason for that. The Yankees would have to pay the remaining money on Abreu's contract ($15 million next season and likely a $16 million team option for 2008). Since the Phils would be getting so much salary relief, they won't get as great a return in players.
Of course, the possible deal could fall apart before 4 p.m. tomorrow. One thing to remember about the trade deadline is it's tremendously unpredictable. Also, there are a lot of rumors out there, especially on the Internet, many of which simply aren't true.
Stay tuned to www.delawareonline.com and to this blog throughout today and tomorrow for breaking news on any deals.
More later.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
July 24: POSTGAME -- SLIPPING AWAY
Here's something that struck me about Charlie Manuel's remarks after Monday night's loss to the Braves: He still thinks the Phillies can win the NL wild card.
Even though they're 6-1/2 games behind the Cincinnati Reds.
Even though they're in 10th place -- 10th place! -- in the wild-card standings.
Even though they'd need to go 44-22 (.667) just to equal last season's 88-win total, which, if memory serves, wasn't enough to make the playoffs.
But Charlie thinks the Phillies are still in it.
"When we lose, the deeper we get, the harder it will be for us to catch up," he said. "Once you get to a certain level, you have to be realistic about this.
"These two series coming up [at home against Arizona and Florida] are really big. It's time for us to go if we're going to go. Now is the time."
I suppose Manuel has to say those things. Until further notice, which won't come until after the season, he's still the Phillies manager, and his job is to lead them to as many wins as possible.
I just wonder if he really believes what he's saying.
Monday, July 24, 2006
July 24: PREGAME -- Rowand, Burrell out
Two surprises in the Phillies' starting lineup tonight against the Braves.
* Aaron Rowand isn't in center field.
* Pat Burrell isn't in left field.
Phils manager Charlie Manuel, citing how tough Braves starter Tim Hudson can be on right-handed hitters, decided to rest Rowand and Burrell in favor of switch-hitting Shane Victorino in center field and lefty-hitting David Dellucci in left. Manuel also said Rowand (shoulder, hand) and Burrell (foot) are nursing nagging injuries and may benefit from the night off.
That said, here's tonight's lineup:
SS Jimmy Rollins (.267, 11 homers, 34 RBI)
CF Shane Victorino (.269, 4, 17)
2B Chase Utley (.317, 16, 58)
RF Bobby Abreu (.285, 8, 64)
1B Ryan Howard (.286, 31, 78)
LF David Dellucci (.316, 6, 19)
3B David Bell (.286, 5, 30)
C Mike Lieberthal (.225, 0, 11)
LHP Cole Hamels (2-4, 5.36 ERA)
Also, Andruw and Chipper Jones aren't in the Braves lineup for a second straight game.
All for now. More later.
* Aaron Rowand isn't in center field.
* Pat Burrell isn't in left field.
Phils manager Charlie Manuel, citing how tough Braves starter Tim Hudson can be on right-handed hitters, decided to rest Rowand and Burrell in favor of switch-hitting Shane Victorino in center field and lefty-hitting David Dellucci in left. Manuel also said Rowand (shoulder, hand) and Burrell (foot) are nursing nagging injuries and may benefit from the night off.
That said, here's tonight's lineup:
SS Jimmy Rollins (.267, 11 homers, 34 RBI)
CF Shane Victorino (.269, 4, 17)
2B Chase Utley (.317, 16, 58)
RF Bobby Abreu (.285, 8, 64)
1B Ryan Howard (.286, 31, 78)
LF David Dellucci (.316, 6, 19)
3B David Bell (.286, 5, 30)
C Mike Lieberthal (.225, 0, 11)
LHP Cole Hamels (2-4, 5.36 ERA)
Also, Andruw and Chipper Jones aren't in the Braves lineup for a second straight game.
All for now. More later.
A DIFFERENT BRETT MYERS?
Last month, at least one eyewitness accused Brett Myers of hitting his wife in the face, pulling her hair and leaving her sobbing on a street corner in Boston.
Now, Myers was in the Phillies' clubhouse, quoting a romance movie.
Strange night at Citizens Bank Park.
Myers made his long-awaited return to the mound in Philadelphia, and wouldn't you know it, received mostly cheers from an announced crowd of 31,664. Sure, there were some scattered boos, but they were drowned out by applause, and not just when Myers struck out a batter. When his name was announced in the starting lineup, even when he stepped to the plate in the second inning, fans greeted him warmly.
Then, after a 5-1 loss to the Braves in which he pitched brilliantly for eight innings, Myers thanked those fans. But, as he stood before reporters, he hinted that he was surprised by the reception.
"It's like that movie, 'For Love of the Game,'" Myers said, referring to the sappy flick in which Kevin Costner throws a perfect game at Yankee Stadium while flashing back to an on-again, off-again romance. "'Clear the mechanism' is what he always says. It may be corny, but as a pitcher, that's what you have to do."
Clear the mechanism. In other words, ignore everything around you and focus on the catcher's mitt. Myers thought for sure he'd need to block out the insults fans surely would sling his way Sunday night.
So much for that.
My first impression of Myers was that he's immature. He could be loud, brash, even obnoxious, in the clubhouse, busting on teammates, reporters, anyone who stopped by his locker.
Now, he's quoting romance movies.
So, maybe Myers is growing up. Maybe he's changing. Maybe he's not such a bad guy, after all.
Or maybe he just had one good night.
Time will tell.
***
Turned out, Myers' biggest problem was not dropping down a bunt in the seventh inning that would've moved Mike Lieberthal to second base with one out in a game tied at 1-1. Instead, he swung away, bouncing into a rally-killing double play. Jimmy Rollins followed with a single that might've scored Lieberthal from second.
"I missed the [bunt] sign," Myers said. "It was all me. I thought I saw something that wasn't there. I screwed up."
Sunday, July 23, 2006
July 23: IN-GAME -- Gillick speaks
Just wanted to give everyone an update after GM Pat Gillick addressed the media. The highlights are as follows:
-- Charlie Manuel's job is safe, at least through the end of this season. Beyond that, Gillick made no promises. Manuel's three-year, $2.4 million contract runs through the end of the 2007 season.
“For everyone, from myself through Charlie through the coaching staff, there’s a continual evaluation,” Gillick said. “But I know, right now, that Charlie’s going to be with us through the conclusion of the ’06 season.”
-- The Phillies, at the moment, are both buyers and sellers at the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline. But Gillick said July 31 is a "fairly important" date, considering the free-agent market is expected to be razor thin.
“We’re both at the moment,” Gillick said. “Ideally, what you want to do is pick up a piece that will help you short- and long-term.”
-- If the Phillies require a roster makeover, as former manager Larry Bowa and others have suggested, Gillick said an off-season in which 11 players will be free agents might do the trick. In particular, longtime Phillies catcher Mike Lieberthal and third baseman David Bell aren't expected to have their contracts extended.
"I think free agency in some ways will take care of that," he said of breaking up the Phillies' core.
Check tomorrow's paper for more.
-- Charlie Manuel's job is safe, at least through the end of this season. Beyond that, Gillick made no promises. Manuel's three-year, $2.4 million contract runs through the end of the 2007 season.
“For everyone, from myself through Charlie through the coaching staff, there’s a continual evaluation,” Gillick said. “But I know, right now, that Charlie’s going to be with us through the conclusion of the ’06 season.”
-- The Phillies, at the moment, are both buyers and sellers at the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline. But Gillick said July 31 is a "fairly important" date, considering the free-agent market is expected to be razor thin.
“We’re both at the moment,” Gillick said. “Ideally, what you want to do is pick up a piece that will help you short- and long-term.”
-- If the Phillies require a roster makeover, as former manager Larry Bowa and others have suggested, Gillick said an off-season in which 11 players will be free agents might do the trick. In particular, longtime Phillies catcher Mike Lieberthal and third baseman David Bell aren't expected to have their contracts extended.
"I think free agency in some ways will take care of that," he said of breaking up the Phillies' core.
Check tomorrow's paper for more.
July 23: PREGAME -- Still Coste-ing
Chris Coste can now say it: He's made it.
The decision Saturday to designate Sal Fasano for assignment means that, for the forseaable future, Coste will be the Phillies' backup catcher. It's a deserving status.
By now, everyone knows the story. Coste, a 33-year-old rookie, began his pro career 11 years ago in the independent Prairie League. He batted .463 in spring training and nearly made the team, only to suffer the disappointment of being the final cut.
When he finally got called up, in late May, he went 0-for-13. Since then, he's 18-for-41 (.439) with two home runs and 12 RBIs. His 10 RBIs in July are as many as cleanup hitter Pat Burrell, which is both praise for the eighth-place-hitting Coste and a condemnation of Burrell.
“It’s hard to even remember that,” Coste said of the 0-for-13 slump. “I mean, obviously I remember it because it makes this feel even better. It was like one hit fell in, then a couple more fell in, and before you know it, that 0-for-13 was history.”
How does all of this compare to spring training?
“In spring training, you can make the argument that it’s just spring training,” Coste said. “It didn’t matter how well I did. I feel just as good as I did then, and these games count.”
***
Pat Gillick is going to address the Phillies writers in about 5 minutes. I'll have more on that after it happens, so stay tuned.
The decision Saturday to designate Sal Fasano for assignment means that, for the forseaable future, Coste will be the Phillies' backup catcher. It's a deserving status.
By now, everyone knows the story. Coste, a 33-year-old rookie, began his pro career 11 years ago in the independent Prairie League. He batted .463 in spring training and nearly made the team, only to suffer the disappointment of being the final cut.
When he finally got called up, in late May, he went 0-for-13. Since then, he's 18-for-41 (.439) with two home runs and 12 RBIs. His 10 RBIs in July are as many as cleanup hitter Pat Burrell, which is both praise for the eighth-place-hitting Coste and a condemnation of Burrell.
“It’s hard to even remember that,” Coste said of the 0-for-13 slump. “I mean, obviously I remember it because it makes this feel even better. It was like one hit fell in, then a couple more fell in, and before you know it, that 0-for-13 was history.”
How does all of this compare to spring training?
“In spring training, you can make the argument that it’s just spring training,” Coste said. “It didn’t matter how well I did. I feel just as good as I did then, and these games count.”
***
Pat Gillick is going to address the Phillies writers in about 5 minutes. I'll have more on that after it happens, so stay tuned.
Friday, July 21, 2006
July 21: POSTGAME -- Bell tolls
David Bell's shortcomings are obvious.
Now in his 11th major league season, he doesn't hit for much power anymore. Fact is, his five home runs rank him 31st among major-league third basemen and his 30 RBIs rank 30th. Bell is in the last year of his contract, and barring an unexpected turn of events, the Phillies will have a new third baseman in 2007.
But there are times, like tonight, when Bell looks more like the dependable player who helped the San Francisco Giants to the World Series in 2002.
Facing Braves starter John Smoltz, against whom he was 1-for-24 entering the game, Bell went 4-for-4 (all singles). His fourth-inning single preceded Chris Coste's homer, and his eighth-inning single came before David Dellucci's pinch-hit single that broke a 3-3 tie.
I didn't get to write much about Bell tonight, but his performance shouldn't go unnoticed. Nor should his .382 batting average in July or his .483 average (14-for-29) since the All-Star break.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Bell is getting more opposite-field hits and more base hits up the middle. If he can hit to all fields, Bell can be a solid offensive player, and very quietly, he has hiked his average to .283.
More on Bell, and the rest of the Phillies, tomorrow.
Now in his 11th major league season, he doesn't hit for much power anymore. Fact is, his five home runs rank him 31st among major-league third basemen and his 30 RBIs rank 30th. Bell is in the last year of his contract, and barring an unexpected turn of events, the Phillies will have a new third baseman in 2007.
But there are times, like tonight, when Bell looks more like the dependable player who helped the San Francisco Giants to the World Series in 2002.
Facing Braves starter John Smoltz, against whom he was 1-for-24 entering the game, Bell went 4-for-4 (all singles). His fourth-inning single preceded Chris Coste's homer, and his eighth-inning single came before David Dellucci's pinch-hit single that broke a 3-3 tie.
I didn't get to write much about Bell tonight, but his performance shouldn't go unnoticed. Nor should his .382 batting average in July or his .483 average (14-for-29) since the All-Star break.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Bell is getting more opposite-field hits and more base hits up the middle. If he can hit to all fields, Bell can be a solid offensive player, and very quietly, he has hiked his average to .283.
More on Bell, and the rest of the Phillies, tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
PROBLEMS? WHAT PROBLEMS?
So much for his participation in the All-Star home-run derby messing up Ryan Howard's swing. In four games since the All-Star break, Howard has three home runs, giving him 31 for the season and keeping him on pace to challenge Mike Schmidt's single-season franchise record of 48, set in 1980.
Bobby Abreu is another story. He hit only six homers in the second half of last season after winning the derby, and this season, he has only eight home runs. It's convenient to say that the derby altered Abreu's swing. But, I submit that Abreu never was a true home-run hitter. He never hit more than 31 in a season, and in 1999, 2002 and 2003, he hit only 20.
Here's a look at the top home run seasons in Phillies history:
48 -- Mike Schmidt, 1980
47 -- Jim Thome, 2003
45 -- Schmidt, 1979
43 -- Chuck Klein, 1929
42 -- Thome, 2004
41 -- Cy Williams, 1923
40 -- Klein, 1930
40 -- Dick Allen, 1966
40 -- Schmidt, 1983
Bobby Abreu is another story. He hit only six homers in the second half of last season after winning the derby, and this season, he has only eight home runs. It's convenient to say that the derby altered Abreu's swing. But, I submit that Abreu never was a true home-run hitter. He never hit more than 31 in a season, and in 1999, 2002 and 2003, he hit only 20.
Here's a look at the top home run seasons in Phillies history:
48 -- Mike Schmidt, 1980
47 -- Jim Thome, 2003
45 -- Schmidt, 1979
43 -- Chuck Klein, 1929
42 -- Thome, 2004
41 -- Cy Williams, 1923
40 -- Klein, 1930
40 -- Dick Allen, 1966
40 -- Schmidt, 1983
Friday, July 14, 2006
HE'S BACK
Brett Myers met the media today in San Francisco. He spoke for 45 seconds and didn't take questions. According to Myers, his lawyer won't allow him to discuss the events that led to his arrest June 23 in Boston on charges that he hit his wife.
Here are the highlights:
"I've been humbled greatly by this problem and I deeply regret any incident that happened. Over the last several weeks I learned a lot about myself and I have a lot more to learn.
"I want to apologize to my wife, my family, my teammates, the entire Phillies organization and especially the fans. I would like to thank you for respecting our privacy. We've both decided it is time for me to rejoin the team.
"Through the EAP program I have been guided to all the right resources. Kim and I are committed to continue with these resources, and will work through any problems."
Your thoughts?
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Myers update
At this point, all indications are that troubled Phillies pitcher Brett Myers will start Sunday in San Francisco.
So, what do you think?
Should the Phillies allow Myers, who was arrested June 23 on charges that he hit his wife and left her crying on a street corner in Boston, to resume pitching?
So, what do you think?
Should the Phillies allow Myers, who was arrested June 23 on charges that he hit his wife and left her crying on a street corner in Boston, to resume pitching?
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
READER POLL: Highlight of the season?
As the CBP grounds crew tries to dry the field after a deluge stopped play in the second inning, I wanted to pose this question to Phillies Nation ...
With the Phils having just passed the 81-game mark, what's the highlight of the season so far?
a) Barry Bonds hitting his 713th home run at CBP on May 7 against Jon Lieber.
b) Aaron Rowand's jaw-breaking catch in center field May 11 against the Mets.
c) Cole Hamels' major-league debut May 12 at Cincinnati.
d) Ryan Howard's upper-deck home run, the first in CBP history, and his 7-RBI game June 20 against the Yankees.
e) Other
How about the lowlight?
a) A 13-5 rout by the Cardinals on Opening Day.
b) Jon Lieber injuring his groin while fielding a ball May 29 and missing six weeks.
c) The Phillies getting swept at home by the NY Mets from June 13-15
d) Brett Myers getting arrested and charged with hitting his wife June 23 in Boston.
e) Other
With the Phils having just passed the 81-game mark, what's the highlight of the season so far?
a) Barry Bonds hitting his 713th home run at CBP on May 7 against Jon Lieber.
b) Aaron Rowand's jaw-breaking catch in center field May 11 against the Mets.
c) Cole Hamels' major-league debut May 12 at Cincinnati.
d) Ryan Howard's upper-deck home run, the first in CBP history, and his 7-RBI game June 20 against the Yankees.
e) Other
How about the lowlight?
a) A 13-5 rout by the Cardinals on Opening Day.
b) Jon Lieber injuring his groin while fielding a ball May 29 and missing six weeks.
c) The Phillies getting swept at home by the NY Mets from June 13-15
d) Brett Myers getting arrested and charged with hitting his wife June 23 in Boston.
e) Other
July 4: PREGAME -- Lieber's back
Three newsworthy items today ...
a) As expected, right-hander Jon Lieber is scheduled to start Friday night for the Phillies against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park.
b) The Phils have recalled catcher Carlos Ruiz from Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and placed catcher Sal Fasano (left knee) on the disabled list.
c) After one awful start last Friday in Toronto, right-hander Adam Bernero was designated for assignment. The Phillies recalled Class AAA outfielder Chris Roberson, who will fill in while banged-up outfielder David Dellucci nurses a sprained right shoulder.
And, back by popular demand, here's today's lineup.
SS Jimmy Rollins (.263, 9 HR, 31 RBI)
2B Chase Utley (.300, 16, 49)
RF Bobby Abreu (.290, 8, 57)
1B Ryan Howard (.284, 28, 69)
LF Pat Burrell (.253, 19, 55)
CF Aaron Rowand (.267, 8, 25)
3B David Bell (.257, 4, 25)
C Carlos Ruiz (.143, 0, 1)
LHP Cole Hamels (1-4, 5.50)
Oh, and Happy Fourth of July.
More later.
a) As expected, right-hander Jon Lieber is scheduled to start Friday night for the Phillies against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park.
b) The Phils have recalled catcher Carlos Ruiz from Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and placed catcher Sal Fasano (left knee) on the disabled list.
c) After one awful start last Friday in Toronto, right-hander Adam Bernero was designated for assignment. The Phillies recalled Class AAA outfielder Chris Roberson, who will fill in while banged-up outfielder David Dellucci nurses a sprained right shoulder.
And, back by popular demand, here's today's lineup.
SS Jimmy Rollins (.263, 9 HR, 31 RBI)
2B Chase Utley (.300, 16, 49)
RF Bobby Abreu (.290, 8, 57)
1B Ryan Howard (.284, 28, 69)
LF Pat Burrell (.253, 19, 55)
CF Aaron Rowand (.267, 8, 25)
3B David Bell (.257, 4, 25)
C Carlos Ruiz (.143, 0, 1)
LHP Cole Hamels (1-4, 5.50)
Oh, and Happy Fourth of July.
More later.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
July 2: PREGAME -- It is what it is
The striking thing about the Phillies these days isn't that they've dropped 17 of 21 games. And it isn't that they've lost seven straight series, including this weekend's here in Toronto.
It's that manager Charlie Manuel seems resigned to his team's plight: with so much young pitching and an offense that's too lefty-dominant and incapable of producing runs without hitting homers, Manuel makes veiled references every day that the Phillies are what they are.
Not good.
Check out Manuel's remarks from Saturday, when he was asked if he plans to hold a team meeting: "If you take a look at our team and how we lose, we've got young pitchers, and we've got some players on a down slide. Right now, the way we've been playing, I don't want to go in there and really pile on the young players. Meetings are a timing thing. Yeah, I've been thinking about having one. I've had them this year. But I was a player for 20 years, and I know everything about meetings and all that crap. Believe me, if that would help, I'd do it every night. I don't see any sense in that."
Then, in perhaps his most revealing comment, Manuel talked about how the Phillies need to get better fast if they hope to make the playoffs.
"Have we got the pieces?," he asked, rhetorically. "I don't know."
It's that manager Charlie Manuel seems resigned to his team's plight: with so much young pitching and an offense that's too lefty-dominant and incapable of producing runs without hitting homers, Manuel makes veiled references every day that the Phillies are what they are.
Not good.
Check out Manuel's remarks from Saturday, when he was asked if he plans to hold a team meeting: "If you take a look at our team and how we lose, we've got young pitchers, and we've got some players on a down slide. Right now, the way we've been playing, I don't want to go in there and really pile on the young players. Meetings are a timing thing. Yeah, I've been thinking about having one. I've had them this year. But I was a player for 20 years, and I know everything about meetings and all that crap. Believe me, if that would help, I'd do it every night. I don't see any sense in that."
Then, in perhaps his most revealing comment, Manuel talked about how the Phillies need to get better fast if they hope to make the playoffs.
"Have we got the pieces?," he asked, rhetorically. "I don't know."
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Phillies lookalikes
These photos don't exactly do it justice, but newly acquired reliever Fabio Castro (right) is the spitting image of infielder Abraham Nunez (left).
Even a few of the Phillies have remarked on the resemblance.
"It's [Nunez's] stunt double," Ryan Howard said.
Added Jimmy Rollins, "I know everyone has a twin in the world, but not in the same clubhouse."
Asked for his opinion on the new pitcher, Nunez said, "He's a good-looking guy."
On another subject, Pat Burrell is back in the lineup today, after not starting four of the last five games. Here's the Phillies' lineup against Blue Jays RHP Ty Taubenheim (1-4, 4.73).
SS Jimmy Rollins
2B Chase Utley
RF Bobby Abreu
1B Ryan Howard
DH Pat Burrell
LF David Dellucci
CF Aaron Rowand
3B David Bell
C Chris Coste
Also, All-Star rosters are announced tomorrow. The bet here is the Phillies will be represented by Utley (leading the fan voting), Howard (leads the majors with 27 homers) and closer Tom Gordon (21 of 22 in save chances).
More later.
Even a few of the Phillies have remarked on the resemblance.
"It's [Nunez's] stunt double," Ryan Howard said.
Added Jimmy Rollins, "I know everyone has a twin in the world, but not in the same clubhouse."
Asked for his opinion on the new pitcher, Nunez said, "He's a good-looking guy."
On another subject, Pat Burrell is back in the lineup today, after not starting four of the last five games. Here's the Phillies' lineup against Blue Jays RHP Ty Taubenheim (1-4, 4.73).
SS Jimmy Rollins
2B Chase Utley
RF Bobby Abreu
1B Ryan Howard
DH Pat Burrell
LF David Dellucci
CF Aaron Rowand
3B David Bell
C Chris Coste
Also, All-Star rosters are announced tomorrow. The bet here is the Phillies will be represented by Utley (leading the fan voting), Howard (leads the majors with 27 homers) and closer Tom Gordon (21 of 22 in save chances).
More later.
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