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.
3 comments:
The Phillies will never acknowledge that there is no way they can leapfrog past nine teams into the wild card position, but fearing thousands of empty seats the rest of the season, they will never say so. However, I am at the Bank fairly often, and the sight of "Blue Acres" is becoming more common.
Pat Gillick's task before next season starts is not merely dropping expensive dead weight, it's changing the culture that surrounds this franchise. He says that will happen naturally, as contracts run out, but it needs a jump start. For far too long, this team -- no matter who the 25 guys on the roster are -- has lacked passion, fire and excitement. Too many people look as if they just don't care.
And Gillick needs to do a much better job than he did last offseason. Other than Tom Gordon and David Dellucci, he hasn't really been productive in bringing talent in. Rowand started out like a house of fire, but he hasn't hit since his injury. And I think he's getting tired of playing 2 1/2 outfield positions.
So get to work, Pat, and start now. First up: Please designate Chris Wheeler for assignment.
The Phillies do need to get rid of some good talent to do what good teams sometimes do. That is shake it up. Not just for the sake of it but to begin a new mindset. Just like Chicago. They have fire with the manager (although a bit of a loon at times) and in the dugout.
The Phils have a bunch of laid back talented athletes that have yet to experience a REAL playoff run. Aside from Rowand and some old arms their nucleus is young and lacking in that killer instinct. Un-load Abreu please while there are still suitors. Getting it done in the off-season may be too late. Although I understand the money situation. Nobody wants Burrell but he does have an up-side he is young and can hit for big numbers. Not to mention he is not an outfielder. Again I blame the organization. I would have rather seen Burrell develop into a good major league 3rd baseman rather than a below average major league outfielder.
Also please get rid of Madson he is killing me with his control.
Remember the 1993 Phils? Talent, attitude, a good mix of youth and age. Ahh yes the good ole days.
We can't live without the lineup.
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