May 30 -- DIRTY UTLEY?

So, the D-Backs left Philly with a three-game sweep. Not too shabby. But a few players were upset with Chase Utley for two hard slides Tuesday night. In the fifth inning, Utley hit shortstop Stephen Drew in the shin as he slid into second base on a double-play ball by Ryan Howard. In the seventh, the D-Backs alleged that Utley ran out of the baseline in an attempt to break up a double play hit by Pat Burrell.

Asked about the plays before tonight's game, D-Backs manager Bob Melvin had this to say: "Utley plays gritty and aggressive. [Dirty] depends on the intent. [On the play at] second base, I thought he was in the baseline. I thought he was out of the baseline at third. Sometimes you get carried away going after the fielder."

What did you think?

* Michael Bourn should've known better. And he admits it. Whenever Howard hits, opposing teams play an over-shifted defense, moving the second baseman into shallow right field. So, if anyone but Howard had hit that line drive in the ninth inning, it would've been a hit and Bourn would've been at least on third base. Because it was Howard, the ball was caught by Orlando Hudson, who easily doubled off Bourn at second. "I just ran on contact on a line drive and usually I freeze," Bourn said. "Normally, that’s a base hit but as a base runner, I should have known and I take the blame for it."

* Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but Howard seemed more than a little perturbed today when he found out he wasn't in the lineup. Howard insisted he was feeling no after-effects from the cramp in his left quad that forced him from the game in the ninth inning Tuesday night. Charlie Manuel said it was simply a good night to give Howard a rest with Randy Johnson pitching. "It is what it is," Howard said. "I just show up. If I'm in, I'm in. If I'm not, I'm not."

May 30 -- SURVIVING A SCARE

Exhale, Phillies fans. Ryan Howard is OK.

At least that's what he said after the Phillies fell back to .500 last night. If you missed it, Howard left in the ninth inning after diving awkwardly to stop a grounder by Alberto Callaspo and coming up grabbing his left hamstring. Two batters later, Howard was replaced at first base by Wes Helms.

It was the last thing the Phillies needed, especially after Howard missed two weeks with a left quad strain.

But Howard and Charlie Manuel said the apparent injury was simply a cramp. Once he was able to stretch his hamstring, the cramp disappeared. Howard said he expects to play tonight against Randy Johnson.

"My hamstring cramped up when I tried to get up and make the play," Howard said. "That's why I couldn't make an accurate throw [to pitcher Clay Condrey covering first]. Good play gone bad. My leg is fine. I just got up and tried to stretch it out. I'm sure everybody here has had a cramp at some time."

* In his first public comments since I spoke to him May 2 in Atlanta, Tom Gordon said he has no timetable for his return, although he's hoping it's before the All-Star Break.

* Kyle Drabek, the Phils' No. 1 pick last June, is on the disabled list with a tender right elbow, but the Phillies don't think it's more than tendinitis.

* Manuel made a bad decision to bring the infield in with the D-Backs leading 1-0 and one out in the second. Miguel Montero singled through the drawn-in infield, and after pitcher Micah Owings struck out, Jon Lieber gave up four straight two-out hits. If the infield is back, Montero may not get a hit, and the Phillies may get out of the inning with only a 1-0 deficit. Instead, it was 5-0. Big difference.

May 29 -- STUFFING THE BALLOT BOX

The early returns are in, and it looks like lots of Mets will be starting in the All-Star Game. Check out the voting totals to date by clicking here. Mets shortstop Jose Reyes, third baseman David Wright, catcher Paul Lo Duca and outfielder Carlos Beltran are leading at their respective positions.

No surprise that Chase Utley (322,590) is tops among NL second basemen over Craig Biggio (251,664). But Ryan Howard isn't in the top five among NL first basemen. Injuries or not, you'd think Howard's status as last year's NL MVP would've garnered him more early support. Voting will be updated each week until June 25, and I'll make sure to post vote totals here. The teams will be announced July 1.

Meanwhile, please keep weighing in on some of the issues below (Charlie Manuel's decision to let Freddy Garcia hit Monday night, the three-headed third base situation, John Smoltz's comments on Brett Myers, etc.). We've got a lot of good comments so far.

May 29 -- TO PINCH-HIT, OR NOT TO PINCH-HIT?

What was it that Kermit The Frog always used to say: "It's not easy being green?"

Well, it's even harder being Charlie Manuel.

There he was last night, standing in his usual spot at the end of the dugout and watching Freddy Garcia pitch better than ever during his brief Phillies career. The Diamondbacks were leading 3-0. The bases were loaded with one out in the fifth inning. And Garcia was due at the plate.

What do you do?

Go.

What Manuel did almost doesn't matter. On May 7 in Arizona, trailing 2-1 in the seventh, he pinch-hit for Garcia. The Phillies tied the game, only to see the shaky bullpen lose it in the seventh and eighth. Manuel was ripped. Last night, he stuck with Garcia, who grounded into an inning-ending, rally-killing double play in a 5-4 loss in which the Phillies scored three runs in the ninth inning. Predictably, Manuel is getting ripped.

After the Brett Myers situation last week, some of you accused me of being a Charlie Manuel apologist, and if that's the case, so be it. But I'm going to agree with him again. In the fifth inning, with the middle relievers the Phillies have in their bullpen, I think he has to let Garcia bat for himself. Not only is Garcia a decent hitter (4-for-15 with two RBIs this season), but he wound up going eight solid innings and striking out six of the last nine batters he faced. And, let's not forget, it was 3-1 when he left the game, and Ryan Madson, one of the Phillies' more dependable relievers, gave up two costly runs in the ninth.

If the Phillies had the Padres bullpen, I'd say sure, bat for Garcia. Similarly, if the Phillies' offense wasn't capable of scoring runs in a hurry, particularly in Citizens Bank Park, you'd send up a pinch-hitter (Pat Burrell and Greg Dobbs were both on the bench) in a flash. But the fifth inning -- the fifth inning! -- is too early to make that move.

Just my two cents. Your thoughts?

May 28 -- THIRD DEGREE

In one of Sunday's posts from Atlanta, I wrote that Wes Helms told me he doesn't believe he has been relegated to a platoon situation at third base. But, clearly, he has lost his grip on the starting job.

Helms, who usually starts against left-handed pitchers, wasn't in the lineup tonight against soft-tossing Diamondbacks lefty Doug Davis. He has started only eight of the past 20 games, just three at third base. Charlie Manuel says he still has faith in Helms, but with switch-hitting Abraham Nunez and lefty-swinging Greg Dobbs outplaying him, Manuel is inclined to use them more often, regardless of the two-year, $5.45 million contract Helms signed in the offseason. Dobbs will probably play tomorrow against D-Backs right-hander Micah Owings, and all bets are off Wednesday with lefty Randy Johnson on the mound.

Reasons abound for Helms' reduced playing time, but almost all are tied to his performance relative to Dobbs and Nunez. Helms hasn't homered in 132 at-bats, the longest he's gone into a season without going deep. Batting in the middle of the lineup, he has only 14 RBIs, fewer than No. 2 batter Shane Victorino (21) and No. 8 batter Carlos Ruiz (18). And, a 4-for-25 skid has dropped Helms' average to .265.

Meanwhile, Dobbs has four homers and 21 RBIs in only 85 at-bats and is batting .306. He's also been something of a lucky charm for the Phillies, who are 13-2 when Dobbs starts. Nunez is batting .299 and has more speed and plays better defense than Helms or Dobbs.

OK, time for you to play manager. Who should be the starter at third?

May 28 -- OPENINGS FOR CLOSERS?

Travel day for me, so I'm not at the Bank tonight. But I wanted to pass along an update on closers Tom Gordon and Brett Myers, both out with strained right shoulders.

Gordon (left) saw team doctor Michael Ciccotti today and was cleared to begin a light throwing program in Clearwater. Myers (right) has started a stretching program.

May 27 -- JOHNNY ON THE SPOT

ATLANTA -- Any time I've talked to John Smoltz, it has felt less like an interview than a normal conversation.

The Braves' ace -- yes, after all these years, he's still their ace -- is notoriously outspoken (remember his scathing, but true, comments about Citizens Bank Park). And when I set out to chat with Smoltz on Saturday about Brett Myers' move to the bullpen and his subsequent shoulder injury, he was predictably opinionated.

Without provokation, Smoltz said he couldn't understand why the Phillies would move a starter with as much talent as Myers to the bullpen, especially in the middle of a season. Even after acknowledging the Phillies' dire need for relief pitching, Smoltz said he thinks Myers is more valuable as a starter.

Needless to say, the Phillies weren't happy with him.

But it's hard to argue. Myers throws four pitches, and until last week, he's always been durable. He's also capable of throwing 200 innings every season, a trait that few pitchers possess. Smoltz, of course, knows what he's talking about. Last week, he became the first pitcher ever to have 200 wins and 150 saves in his career. If I'm ever privileged enough to have a Hall of Fame vote, I'll cast one for Smoltz.

The Myers move is hardly permanent. Ruben Amaro Jr. said today that the Phillies will determine his role for 2008 after this season. It's entirely possible, if the Phillies can find the bullpen help they crave, that he could return to the rotation. Of course, if they can get another starter and Myers continues to have success as a closer, he could remain in that role.

What do you think? After this season, would you rather see Myers pitching every fifth day as a starter or trotting in from the bullpen to pitch the ninth inning as the closer?

May 27 -- WHAT A WEEK!

ATLANTA -- Cleaning out my notebook after one of the craziest weeks since I've been covering the Phillies ...

* Between Greg Dobbs' mental mistake, Rod Barajas allowing Hanley Ramirez to score through the five-hole and Brett Myers getting hurt, the Phillies had about as bad an inning as any team has ever had in the ninth Wednesday night. So, naturally, they respond by coming to Atlanta and sweeping the Braves. If a baseball team can be schizophrenic, this one is.

* Stop the insanity. Myers didn't get hurt because he pitched in a four-run game. Closers do it all the time. And, if you're adamant that Charlie Manuel made a mistake by bringing him in Wednesday night, tell me who else you wanted to see in that game. Clay Condrey? Francisco Rosario? Yoel Hernandez? No thanks.

* Speaking of Myers, I was talking to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports this weekend, and neither of us could recall another instance when a team lost two closers in a three-week span. Can you?

* Ryan Howard looks healthy, doesn't he?

* Wes Helms told me today that he doesn't think he's in a platoon situation at third base. Uh, earth to Wes, have you noticed that the only time you've started lately is when a lefty is on the mound? And the way Greg Dobbs and Abraham Nunez have played, they should start more often, against righties and lefties.

* You won't see a better catch than this one. Andruw Jones may be batting .218, but when he hits the free-agent market this winter, he'll get a big contract because nobody plays a better center field.

* How fast is Michael Bourn? Not even his helmet can keep up. Have you noticed it routinely flies off his head whenever he runs?

* Cole Hamels appreciated the 10-run lead the Phillies gave him today. He just didn't think it was necessary for him to get his seventh win. "I think you're more competitive in a game that's 4-3 than 11-3," he said. "You get a little relaxed and you have the longer innings that take away your concentration just a little bit. It's that one edge you need when you're competing." After reading this quote, I think the good folks at www.colehamelsfacts.com will be hard at work.

* You know it's a crazy week when an 0-for-17 slump for Pat Burrell almost goes unnoticed. Almost.

Happy Memorial Day.

May 26 -- CAN FONZIE SAVE THE PHILS?

ATLANTA -- Finally.

After 49 games in 55 days, the Phillies at last have a winning record. It may not sound like much. Going into today's games, 14 of 30 teams were above .500. But the Phillies got there despite starting 4-11 and having Ryan Howard, Freddy Garcia, Jon Lieber and Ryan Madson spend time on the DL. Oh, and they lost two closers -- Tom Gordon and Brett Myers -- to strained right shoulders in a 22-day span this month.

Myers won't be back until at least June 8. Gordon won't even start throwing until later this week. So, it seems to me they key to staying above .500 is protecting late-inning leads with a patchwork bullpen.
That's where Antonio Alfonseca comes in.

Chances are, Charlie Manuel will mix and match in the ninth inning with Alfonseca, Madson and Geoff Geary. Alfonseca got the first chance since Myers got hurt, and with his good sinker, he retired Martin Prado, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Kelly Johnson to pick up his first save since Sept. 13, 2002, when he was with the Cubs.

"I'll remember this day," said Alfonseca, who led the NL with 45 saves for the Marlins in 2000. "It feels like the first time again. I'm happy. Everybody's got to do the job, whether it's me, Madson, Geary, whoever."

So, until Myers comes back, who do you want pitching the ninth?

* It's refreshing to cover an athlete who is built like me. Ordinarily, that wouldn't be a good thing, but there's one BIG difference between me and Mike Zagurski (right): He can pitch. By the way, it has been suggested that "The Big Zagurski" would be a better nickname than "Bronko." Maybe we could just call him "The Dude."

* How will you react to Barry Bonds when the Giants come to the Bank next week? Even in San Francisco, some fans are torn.

* John Smoltz is shocked -- shocked! -- that the Phillies put Myers in the bullpen. Not sure I've met a baseball player who's easier to talk to than Smoltz. I'll probably post more about Smoltz's comments later.

* If you're ever in Atlanta, make sure to eat at the Vortex, and try the buffalo bison burger. Yum.

May 25 -- GETTING TOO FRIENDLY?

ATLANTA -- Talk about a busy news day. To recap:

* Brett Myers went on the DL and started losing his mind.
* Ryan Howard came off the DL and looked like his old self.
* Chris Coste was assigned to double-A Reading. It was his choice not to go to triple-A Ottawa.
* Mike Zagurski -- "Call him Bronko," Myers wise-cracked -- was called up from double-A Reading and pitched a scoreless inning.

Real estate is precious in the 50-cent edition these days, so you probably had to dig to find this nugget. Jon Lieber, Dontrelle Willis and Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez were fined an undisclosed sum for their roles in Thursday night's dugouts- and bullpens-clearing flareup in Florida. And, unfortunately, when you came upon that info, this quote wasn't present. I left it out. My bad.

"If there’s bad blood, we shouldn’t be over there kissy-facing before the game, high-fiving and enjoying their company," Charlie Manuel said of the simmering Phils-Marlins feud. "When you put this uniform on, you go out there to win the game, and actually, it’s a fight.”

Manuel and several other Phillies coaches, including Davey Lopes and Jimy Williams, have been unhappy with the glad-handing that goes on before games. In their playing days, they insist players fraternized less on the field, and they addressed the issue during their long team meeting April 21 in Cincinnati. Listening to Manuel today, it's apparently still an issue.

Oh, and Jamie Moyer beat the Braves for the first time in 20 years. Phils are back to .500 -- again -- and tomorrow, Adam Eaton will try to help in their latest attempt to achieve a winning record for the first time all season.

May 24 -- THURSDAY NIGHT FIGHTS

MIAMI GARDENS -- It's already been a long night, and the clock is tick-tick-ticking toward my flight to Atlanta. But here are some leftovers from a strange game that capped a bizarre week in South Florida.

* Jon Lieber has impeccable control. Impeccable. So, does anyone else find it a little fishy that Lieber threw a pitch behind Dontrelle Willis in the second inning? Willis did. "The guy hasn't hit anybody the whole year, and he didn't hit anybody the rest of the game," the Marlins' ace said. "I have to defend myself." To Willis, that meant throwing behind Lieber in the fourth inning. "I returned the e-mail," he said. What ensued was a dugouts- and bullpens-clearing rumble that lacked nothing except actual punches. But there's plenty of time for that. The Phillies and Marlins play nine more times, although not until Aug. 7-9 at the Bank. For the record, the Phillies say Lieber wasn't throwing at Willis. OK, sure.

* One night after failing to block the plate and allowing the tying run to score in the ninth inning, Rod Barajas made another gaffe. In the sixth inning, he attempted a swipe tag on Miguel Olivo but dropped the ball, allowing the Marlins to take a 4-3 lead. Barajas said the throw from first baseman Chris Coste was up the line and away from the plate just enough that he couldn't set his body. Olivo, a fellow catcher, may also have jarred the ball loose with his foot. "It was a late slide, so he had a lot of momentum," Barajas said. "I was surprised the glove stayed on my hand."

* Third-base coach Steve Smith lamented his decision to send Michael Bourn to the plate in the eighth inning. "Bad play. Terrible play," he said. "I feel bad for these guys. They played their [butts] off and I made a decision like that."

* Read more about Charlie Manuel's decision to use Brett Myers with a four-run lead.

Talk to you tomorrow from Atlanta, where I should have another Myers update.

May 24 -- MYERS UPDATE 1

MIAMI GARDENS -- After examining Brett Myers this morning, Phillies head athletic trainer (and Delaware native) Scott Sheridan has re-confirmed that the closer has a right shoulder strain. He's being listed as day-to-day.

But, before you breathe that sigh of relief, know this: Myers is traveling across the state to Clearwater to have an MRI exam today that figures to offer a more conclusive analysis.

Stay tuned.

May 24 -- MYERS INJURED; DON'T BLAME MANUEL

MIAMI GARDENS -- Warning, Phillies fans: You may find this sight a little gruesome.

That, of course, is Brett Myers, clutching his right triceps and walking off the mound after unleashing a wild pitch in a wild and crazy ninth inning last night. Myers said the sensation was like nothing he has ever experienced, and although he didn't appear to be in pain as he iced his shoulder after the game, he said he had some muscle spasms shortly after he left the mound. Myers saw the Marlins' doctors, who diagnosed a shoulder strain. Assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said Myers would be evaluated today and that diagnostic tests (MRI exam) haven't been ordered. But, unless Myers feels a lot better, I have to think he'll be headed back to Philly to see team doctor Michael Ciccotti.

Naturally, as soon as I know anything, so will you.

Now, you're bound to hear plenty of blustery criticism from the talk-radio and TV folks about why Charlie Manuel brought Myers into a four-run game, but there's a perfectly reasonable explanation. First, Myers hadn't pitched since Sunday. He was well-rested. Second, Geoff Geary and Antonio Alfonseca had already pitched. Manuel doesn't trust Clay Condrey, Francisco Rosario or Yoel Hernandez -- even with a four-run lead. I suppose he could've gone to Ryan Madson, but he pitched Tuesday night and is coming back from an injury. Third, and most important, Myers was already warming up when the score was still 4-3. Because he's still new to relieving, the Phillies don't like to warm Myers up and then not use him. So, there was absolutely no reason to not bring him into the game.

If you want to assess blame, look at the Phillies' defense in the absolute wackiest inning I've seen. But, don't take my word for it. Aaron Rowand called it "the all-time weirdest inning ever."

Greg Dobbs felt terrible about his brain cramp. After fielding Hanley Ramirez's bunt, Dobbs should've gotten the sure out at first base. Instead, he threw home, even though he had no chance to get Dan Uggla at the plate. Had he gotten the out at first, the game would've ended after Myers struck out Miguel Cabrera and Jeremy Hermida.

Instead, the inning was alive for Aaron Boone to lace a single to left field. Jayson Werth made a strong throw that landed in Rod Barajas' mitt while Ramirez was still 10 feet from the plate. All Barajas had to do was block the plate and apply the tag. Instead, he stood straight up, yielding ground to Ramirez, who slid underneath Barajas' tag. From the replays I saw, home-plate umpire Tim Timmons made a good call, although Barajas, who was ejected with Manuel for arguing the play, remained defiant.

While Barajas was flippant about the surreal turn of events -- "The fact that we won, we can look back and laugh at some of these plays," he said, with Myers sitting nearby -- Dobbs was despondent. "I feel tremendously responsible for what happened," he said. "It meant extra pitches for Brett. I’m praying to God he’s going to be OK. I’m praying that I didn’t aid in his being out for a long time."

No doubt, Phillies fan concur.

May 23 -- HOWARD UPDATES

In the first inning today, with Adrian Cardenas on second base, the South Atlantic League's Hagerstown Suns gave Ryan Howard the sort of treatment he receives regularly in the majors. They walked him.

Howard ripped an RBI double in his second at-bat and struck out looking in his third. I'm guessing Hagerstown pitcher Yunior Novoa will be telling his friends about that later today.

UPDATE: Howard hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning. He finished 2-for-3 with four RBIs. I'll have more in the 50-cent edition Thursday, and if Charlie Manuel or Ruben Amaro Jr. have any comment, I'll post it here.

May 23 -- JAKE WEIGHS IN

MIAMI GARDENS -- Caught up before last night's game with Mike Jacobs, one of the better players (and nicer guys) I covered during the time I worked in Binghamton, N.Y., home to the Mets' double-A team. Right now, "Jake" -- as the tattoo across his back reads in big, Gothic letters -- has some time to kill. He's on the disabled list with a broken right thumb. So, we talked about several things, including Wes Helms' homerless streak, which has reached 124 at-bats.

I also asked Jacobs for his evaluation of the Phillies. In spring training, he agreed with Jimmy Rollins that the Phils would be the "team to beat" in the NL East. And, while he still thinks they're dangerous, he's not sure anyone is going to catch the Mets.

"David Wright said something interesting the other day that I probably should've thought about," Jacobs said. "He said the Mets were the defending [NL East] champs, so they should've been [considered] the team to beat. And he's right. My hats off to them. They're playing great. You looked at the Mets in spring training, and you didn't really know if their pitching would work out. But it's all coming together for them. They're just really tough."

Finally, Jacobs said Brett Myers could be a dominating closer if the Phillies decide to leave him in that role. "He's got some of the best stuff I've ever seen," he said, "and it's even nastier when you look at it for just one or two innings. To me, he's pretty ideal as a closer."

May 23 -- JERSEY BOYS

MIAMI GARDENS -- I grew up in central New Jersey, so I'm proud to say that the Garden State (yes, I saw the movie) is the center of the baseball universe today.

Don't believe me? Check out this lineup.

At 11:05 a.m., Ryan Howard will be the DH for single-A Lakewood in the first of back-to-back games in which he'll test his strained left quad. Howard is slated to play first base for Lakewood tomorrow night, and if that goes well, he may be activated for Friday night's game at Atlanta.

And the Phillies need Mr. MVP more than ever. Over the past five games, they've mustered only 28 hits, 10 of which came Sunday. Charlie Manuel says Howard's mere presence makes the lineup more formidable, even when he isn't hitting. So, while the Phillies keep playing here in South Florida, you know they'll have their fingers crossed over what happens at FirstEnergy Stadium, one of the nicer minor-league ballparks I've seen.

At 6:35 p.m., about 35 miles west of Lakewood, Roger Clemens will start for double-A Trenton. It'll be Clemens' second start since signing with the Yankees three weeks ago, and the Bombers desperately need it to go well. They fell to the Red Sox -- again -- last night and are 10 games behind Boston in the loss column in the AL East.

If Clemens pitches well, his next start could be Monday for the Yankees against Toronto. If some double-A hitters swat a few homers into the Delaware River beyond right field at Mercer County Waterfront Park, the Yankees may have to start wondering if their $28 million investment will be ready in time to save the season.

And, it's all happening in Jersey.

May 22 -- TUESDAY NIGHT OUTTAKES

MIAMI GARDENS -- OK, we get it. Scott Olsen doesn't like the Phillies. And, one of these days, he may just start a good, old-fashioned brawl with them.

After using the word "hate" last season to describe his feelings toward the Phils, Olsen took exception in the third inning tonight to Chase Utley, who interrupted his delivery by asking for time. Then, after walking Utley in the sixth, the Marlins' lefty shouted to him to run to first base. Utley just smirked, although I'm sure he would've been happy to pummel Olsen if the lefty had taken a step toward first. Cole Hamels said the Phillies don't like Olsen much either. Hmm, wonder why?

A few other notes that didn't get much ink in the 50-cent edition:

* Before the game, Aaron Rowand told me that he's seen some wacky stuff in center field at Citizens Bank Park. The stadium's dimensions cause the wind to whip in multiple directions. Remember when Rowand slipped last Saturday night trying to track a line drive hit by Lyle Overbay? Rowand said the ball changed direction twice. Twice. "I've played in every stadium in the big leagues," he said, "and I've seen some [stuff] there that I've never seen anywhere else."

* Remember Jayson Werth? I know, it's hard. He doesn't play much. But he routinely hits some of the longest home runs in batting practice, and tonight, he showed flashes of the potential that sold Pat Gillick on signing him in the offseason. Werth, who missed all of last season after having two surgeries on his wrist, blasted his first homer since Aug. 29, 2005, in the first inning, then hit a two-run shot in the third. With production like that, he's going to merit more playing time.

* The Phillies will try to get back to .500 again tomorrow night with Freddy Garcia on the mound. And Garcia may have some extra motivation. The Phillies' biggest offseason addition was irked last Thursday when Charlie Manuel pulled him with the bases loaded and two outs in the sixth inning because he'd thrown 114 pitches. Garcia believes he's earned the right to get himself out of jams like that. But he hasn't gotten out of the sixth inning in seven starts, so, as I see it, he hasn't earned much of anything from the Phils. “He’s wanting to prove how good he can be,” Manuel said. “How much he’s pitched over the years speaks for itself. He’s an established pitcher. I want him to be as good as he can be.”

May 22 -- ON THE ROAD AGAIN

MIAMI GARDENS -- Greetings from Dolphin Stadium, where plenty of good seats usually are available.

Couple of quick notes before the Phillies' clubhouse opens at 3:35:

* Brett Myers insists he's not being overworked. I tend to agree with him, although he'd never admit it if he was.

* Don't expect to see Tom Gordon for a while. Gordon has begun a conditioning program at the Phillies' facility in Clearwater, Fla., but he likely won't do any throwing until after next Monday when he vists team physician Michael Ciccotti in Philadelphia.

* A picture of Joe Girardi has been added to the hallway that leads from the press box to the media dining room. Girardi, who famously feuded with Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, was the only former Marlins manager who didn't have his picture up the last time the Phillies were here in April.

* The Phillies raised a record $720,056 at last night's annual Phillies Phestival for ALS. Here were the top three items up for auction: 1. Use of Pat Burrell’s suite on June 11 ($5,400); 2. Ryan Howard’s game-used home jersey from his 2006 MVP season ($4,100); 3. Chase Utley original oil painting and print ($3,200); trip for two to see the Phillies play the Cubs in Chicago on June 30-July 2 ($3,200).

So, how much would you pay to use Burrell's private suite?

May 20 -- MAKING A STAND

Ten days ago, when the Phillies returned from the West Coast, we said they needed to go 7-3 at the Bank to get to .500.

They went 7-3.

Without Ryan Howard.

Highlights from the homestand included five home runs by previously slumping Pat Burrell, a six-run seventh inning May 12 against the Cubs, a six-run eighth inning two days later against the Brewers, a .414 average for fill-in first baseman Greg Dobbs, a .353 average for Abraham Nunez, a walk-off homer by Carlos Ruiz, six innings of perfection by Cole Hamels and 7-2/3 innings in 10 days from closer Brett Myers.

Yet, for as well as the Phillies played, they picked up only a half game on the first-place Mets.

"I'm not worried about them," Shane Victorino said. "We're going to play them, eventually. We'll have plenty of chances to pick up ground on them."

What do you think about the homestand? Reason for optimism or much ado about nothing?

* Several Phillies were amused when Adam Eaton went from first to third on Aaron Rowand's single in the sixth inning. "When I saw him going, I was like, 'What's he doing?'" Victorino said. "I was like, 'Yo, take it easy. You've got to pitch, buddy.'" Eaton countered with, "Pitchers are the best athletes on the field, aren't they?" But not even Eaton would test the Phillies' outfielders. Burrell, Rowand, Victorino and Jayson Werth have teamed for 20 assists, most in the majors. "I wouldn't run on this outfield," Eaton said.

Check the Blog tomorrow for more on Myers. Also, check The News Journal for injury updates on Howard and Ryan Madson and news on Fabio Castro being sent back to the minors. Didn't I call that (sort of)?

May 19 -- FAMILY GUY

So, it appears Kyle Farnsworth isn't happy with the terms of Roger Clemens' contract. Just like the past two years with the Astros, Clemens is being allowed by the Yankees to come and go when he pleases between starts. Clemens says the provision allows him to spend more time with his family. Farnsworth insists pitchers should have to stay with their team, even on days they don't pitch.

Generally speaking, Jamie Moyer agrees.

As you can read in The News Journal's Sunday baseball notes, Moyer has permission to leave the Phillies at appropriate intervals during the season to see his family in Seattle. He exercised that privilege for a few days recently while the Phillies were playing on the West Coast. In his first full season away from Seattle since 1997, Moyer misses his wife, Karen, and their six children. But being a good teammate, he says, means being with your team. So he doesn't intend to take much advantage of his opportunity to get home during the season.

* Charlie Manuel understands why Chipper Jones is ticked off about the degree of difficulty of the Braves' inter-league schedule compared to other teams, like the Phillies. It's the luck of the draw, Manuel says. The Braves' inter-league opponents (Red Sox, Twins, Indians, Tigers)have a combined .622 winning percentage. The Phillies inter-league opponents (Blue Jays, Royals, White Sox, Tigers, Indians) have a combined .515.

* A month later, it looks like the Jon Lieber-Brett Myers switch is working out. Lieber won't admit that every five days he goes out and tries to prove he's still a quality starting pitcher. So Manuel said it for him. Think the Jays wouldn't mind having Lieber now?

* One-liner of the night in the press box: Yoel Hernandez hadn't pitched in so long (since May 5) that he's used the time to develop a new pitch: A moth ball.

See ya tomorrow.

May 18 -- FREDDY ISN'T HAPPY

Cole Hamels wants to pitch a perfect game every year. Freddy Garcia wants to pitch into the seventh inning.

Hey, everyone has goals.

Garcia, the Phillies' prized off-season addition, wasn't happy when Charlie Manuel pulled him from yesterday's game with two outs in the sixth inning. Never mind that he'd thrown 114 pitches and walked a tightrope for most of the afternoon by getting into and out of jams in the fourth and fifth innings. Garcia wanted to be the guy to get Tony Graffanino to ground into a bases-loaded, inning-ending fielder's choice. Keep Geoff Geary in the bullpen, he told Manuel, a request he believes he has earned the right to make.

"I've been around a long time," Garcia said. "When I'm in trouble, let me do my thing. Have that confidence in me that I can get myself out of a situation. It's all about confidence. They're not confident in me. I was feeling fine, and they took me out. I get in trouble, but I'm good at getting out of trouble, too. That's why I've won a lot of games."

It's hard to see what Garcia has done for the Phillies to inspire much confidence. Sure, he's had rotten luck. After being remarkably durable for eight seasons, he suffered a right biceps strain in spring training that delayed his debut until April 17. And, honestly, when have you ever seen a pitcher run into a grounds crew cart during batting practice and gash his shin? Garcia had a better chance of being struck by lightning than having that cart parked on the warning track.

But he also hasn't gotten out of the sixth inning in seven starts, uncharacteristic for a notorious innings-eater like Garcia. His fastball, consistently in the mid-90s a few years ago, barely reaches 90 mph now. And instead of making quick work of hitters, he throws too many pitches early in the count. Catcher Rod Barajas made the valid point that Garcia only allowed two runs in six innings yesterday, both on solo homers by Gabe Gross. "If he can do that every game, you'd take it," Barajas said.

That would be true, if the Phillies' bullpen consisted of more than Brett Myers, Geary and a lot of holding your breath in the seventh and eighth innings. The Phillies traded for Garcia to be the workhorse that he's always been with the Mariners and White Sox. So far, he hasn't come close to that reputation.

* Matt In Philadelphia asks when Michael Bourn will get a start in the outfield. Matt, I've been wondering the same thing. Manuel said recently that he needs to find situations to get Bourn more playing time. Yesterday seemed ideal. But it's hard to sit Pat Burrell or Aaron Rowand when the Phillies have to make up so much ground on the Mets and Braves. And when Shane Victorino gets a rest, Jayson Werth has to get at-bats. Also, Bourn has great value as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement. Manuel's idea is to get as big a lead as possible with Burrell, then add to it and safeguard it with Bourn.

But, before long, the Phillies need to find out if Bourn can be their starting center fielder next year. Otherwise, they better start negotiating with Rowand, a free agent after the season.

* Rough week for the Brewers' Delaware connection. Kevin Mench, a Newark native, went 0-for-8 against the Phillies. Graffanino, a Hockessin resident, went 1-for-9 with a walk.

* Don't forget to keep weighing in on the issue below. Are the Phillies overusing Brett Myers?

May 17 -- FABIO NOT LOOKING GOOD

Please don't let this post distract you from commenting on the previous one. We've had an excellent give-and-take about whether the Phillies are overusing Brett Myers, and I'd like to keep that going. Look for my response to some of your comments, and, as always, I welcome your replies.

One note, though, on beleaguered lefty reliever Fabio Castro. On April 26, the Phillies demoted struggling Matt Smith to triple-A Ottawa because he couldn't throw strikes. They replaced him with Castro, and, well, check out their respective numbers after today's game, in which Castro walked lefty-swinging Prince Fielder and gave up an RBI double by Johnny Estrada for the eventual winning run.

SMITH: 4.0 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 11 BB, 1 K, 11.25 ERA
CASTRO: 2.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 BB, 3 K, 19.29 ERA

Clearly, the Phillies need to find a veteran lefty. But who? The Yankees recalled Ron Villone from triple-A this week before he could exercise a clause in his contract and become a free agent. Rheal Cormier, deemed unreliable by the Phillies after last season, signed a minor-league deal with the Braves. I talked to assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. a few days ago, and he suggested it would be foolish to bring in a lefty reliever simply for the sake of having a lefty reliever. If you can't find a good lefty, Amaro said, it's sometimes better to have no lefties.

Right now, I wonder whether no lefties would be better than Castro.

Chime in, if you'd like, and then get back to the Myers debate. I'll have more later or tomorrow on Freddy Garcia's latest flop and an answer to Matt In Philadelphia's Michael Bourn query.

May 17 -- MISUSING MYERS?

You can read plenty in the 50-cent edition about Cole Hamels' latest flirtation with perfection. Charlie Manuel said, and I happen to agree, that it's only a matter of time before Hamels tosses a perfect game or a no-hitter. Hamels, never lacking for confidence, said he thinks he can throw at least one per year. It's good to have lofty goals.

Unfortunately, we weren't able to squeeze much into the paper about Brett Myers' surprising ninth-inning appearance. With the Phillies leading 6-2, nobody expected to see Myers, including the folks who operate the Bank's sound system. Myers' usual entry music, "Children of the Grave" by White Zombie, wasn't queued up when he walked in from the bullpen. But, in the latest sign that there's only one reliever Manuel trusts, he opted for Myers against the top of the Brewers' dangerous lineup instead of Geoff Geary or struggling Antonio Alfonseca.

Personally, I don't have a problem with Manuel using Myers in a non-save situation, even though he has now pitched in three straight games and five of the last seven. Don't forget: Myers was a starter. He has logged 193, 176, 215 and 198 innings over the past four seasons. Throwing 51 pitches in a three-day span isn't quite so taxing when you're accustomed to throwing 100 in one afternoon. Besides, back in the day, closers would routinely get two- and three-inning saves. Just ask Bruce Sutter and Goose Gossage.

What do you think? Are the Phillies overusing Myers?

***

Remember the team meeting Manuel called on April 21 in Cincinnati when the Phillies were 4-11? Looks like it worked. Since then, they've gone 16-9 and gotten to .500 for the first time all season. Only the Brewers, at 16-8, have a better winning percentage during that span.

***

A few thoughts on Hamels from pitching coach Rich Dubee that didn't make their way into the paper:

"This guy's got a chance to be a great one. You look at his presence and what he expects from himself. It's a motivation to him to be perfect. He'll get in his own way at times because he's trying to be so good. But that's easy to control. He's got great trust in his fastball. He's got great trust in his changeup. And he's gaining more trust in his curveball. The ceiling is awfully high for this guy with just two pitches. When he gets command of his curveball, the ceiling will get even higher."

With that, I'll pose a modified version of the question from the last post: Is there a young pitcher, in his first or second major-league season, that you'd rather have than Hamels?

May 16 -- COOL HAND COLE

It appeared on page 68 of last week's Sports Illustrated, so you might've missed it. SI asked 11 "high-ranking major-league talent evaluators" (read: GMs, scouts) to pick their dream rotation from a group of pitchers with one year or less of big-league service time. Daisuke Matsuzaka (Red Sox) finished first with eight first-place votes. Cole Hamels, 14-9 with a 3.90 ERA and 204 strikeouts in 187 innings since being called up May 12, 2006, was second with two.

Here at the Blog, we want to expand the pool to include all young pitchers. If you have to pick five starters from this group, who would they be?

1. Hamels; 2. Matt Cain (Giants); 3. Justin Verlander (Tigers); 4. Felix Hernandez (Mariners); 5. Scott Kazmir (Devil Rays); 6. Matsuzaka; 7. Phil Hughes (Yankees); 8. Erik Bedard (Orioles); 9. Matt Garza (Twins); 10. Brandon McCarthy (Rangers); 11. Mike Pelfrey (Mets); 12. Jered Weaver (Angels); 13. Tim Lincecum (Giants); 14. Shawn Hill (Nats); 15. Other.

May 15 -- MORE OUTTAKES

With the unabridged game story in Wednesday's 50-cent edition filled to the brim with details of Carlos Ruiz's dramatic walk-off home run, let's address some other Phillies issues in The Blog.

* Curious about how Brett Myers would respond to his first blown save? Well, he was so eager to put Johnny Estrada's game-tying homer behind him that he was ready to pitch the 10th inning. He would have, too, except that Ruiz homered. "I can't be perfect every time," said Myers, 5-for-6 in save chances with a 1.08 ERA in 14 relief appearances. "I'd like to be. But I can't. I just made a terrible pitch."

* Charlie Manuel won't say whether Myers will remain the closer after Tom Gordon returns from his shoulder injury. And, really, why should he? Gordon hasn't resumed throwing yet, so Manuel doesn't have to make a decision. Although, to me, it's a no-brainer. Myers HAS to be the closer. Who do you want to see in the ninth inning -- Myers or Gordon?

* After starting the season in a 3-for-24 slump, light-hitting Abraham Nunez has 19 hits in his last 47 at-bats for a Ted Williams-like .404 average. What gives? Manuel, who once debated hitting with the Splendid Splinter (that's a story for another day), said Nunez isn't lifting his front leg as high. By shortening his stride, he's driving the ball better. "His stride was real quick," Manuel said. "He wants to hit so bad sometimes that he jumps at the ball. This year, he's kind of smoothed out his stride." So, I ask you, who would you rather see getting the bulk of the playing time at third base -- Nunez or Wes Helms?

* Even after roughing him up the past two nights, the Phillies would still take Derrick Turnbow. In a heartbeat.

* Nobody is going to call for Greg Dobbs at first base after Ryan Howard comes back. But check out Dobbs' numbers in his last five games (four starts): 9-for-16, two homers, four RBIs, four runs. For the season, he's batting .312 with 12 RBIs in only 48 at-bats. Pretty good production, don't you think?

* Look who's being brought in to help heal Howard's strained left quad.

May 15 -- UMPIRE PROFILING?

Regardless of how many years you cover baseball, you see things you've never seen before. Take today, for instance. I was in the Brewers' clubhouse, catching up with Newark native Kevin Mench and Hockessin resident Tony Graffanino, when I spotted four pieces of paper taped to the wall. Each paper profiled a member of the umpiring crew, including the umps' names, how many years they've been in the majors, where they went to college and their hobbies.

Thanks to the Brewers' intelligence, I now know that tonight's plate umpire, Larry Vanover, is a 13-year veteran who attended the University of Kentucky's College of Architecture and enjoys golfing and fishing. I wonder if any of that came up in the fourth inning during a furious shouting match after he ejected Brewers manager Ned Yost.

Very weird.

Speaking of umps, this has to be one of the funniest movie scenes ever.

May 15 -- KEEP DREAMING

We knew the Phillies were interested in hard-throwing Brewers setup man Derrick Turnbow during the offseason. In fact, his name came up at the winter meetings in December. But, it turns out Charlie Manuel once had his eye on another Brewers reliever -- closer Francisco Cordero.

Cordero wasn't available last winter. But Manuel wanted the Phillies to trade for him before the Brewers got him from Texas. (Quick history lesson: Early last season, Cordero lost his job as the Rangers' closer to Akinori Otsuka. In July, Cordero was dealt to Milwaukee in the trade that sent Carlos Lee to Texas. Newark native and UD product Kevin Mench also went to the Brew Crew in that deal. ) "I wanted that guy when Texas traded him," Manuel said of Cordero. "He's got good stuff."

Uh, yeah. Cordero already has 15 saves and a 0.54 ERA this season. Since he joined the Brewers, he's 31-for-33 in save chances with a 1.25 ERA. Manuel would take that. Heck, what manager wouldn't?

Needless to say, relievers of that quality won't be available this year. Unless, of course, a team is willing to part with two of three big-time prospects. The Phillies had some interest in veteran lefty Ron Villone, but the Yankees called him up from Triple-A today, preventing him from becoming a free agent. The Phillies passed on Rheal Cormier, and in the 50-cent edition Wednesday, you can read about why.

May 14 -- OUTTAKES

For seven innings tonight, there wasn't much to write about. The Phillies' vaunted offense was being shut down again, this time by Brewers right-hander David Bush, a Conestoga (Pa.) High grad. And, for the first time this season, Jamie Moyer didn't offer a quality start. Other than that, it was pretty dull at the Bank.

Then came the eighth inning.

The Phillies, 1-15 when trailing after seven innings, scored six runs against the Brewers, 21-0 when leading after seven, and won 8-6. Lots to talk about from that inning, and, inevitably, some of it didn't make the 50-cent edition. So, as usual, we'll touch on them here.

* This picture shows Chase Utley sliding into home plate ahead of the throw from Brewers 1B Prince Fielder. What it doesn't show is why the throw was late. Yes, Utley was busting it up the third-base line, and yes, Utley has more speed than he gets credit for. But when Fielder gloved Carlos Ruiz's chopper, the runner at first, Abraham Nunez, stutter-stepped in front of him. It may not sound like much, but it disrupted Fielder just enough to delay his throw home. "It looked like the runner blinded him a little bit," said Wes Helms, who has played some first base for the Phillies. "Any time a guy runs in front of you, as an infielder, it kind of messes with you."

* Why on earth did the Mariners get rid of Greg Dobbs? Two more hits tonight leaves Dobbs' average at .318. He has 11 RBIs in only 44 at-bats.

* The Phillies would still love to have Derrick Turnbow.

* Chris Coste received a nice ovation when he pinch-hit in the seventh.

May 14 -- RUNNING MAN

In a few weeks, the Phillies will be giving away a Shane Victorino hula figurine. Fitting, I suppose, since Victorino is from Hawaii. As I'm sure you've noticed, the Flyin' Hawaiian has been a terror on the bases lately. He has 14 steals, third in the NL behind Jose Reyes (21) and Juan Pierre (15). Last week in San Francisco, he stole two bases in three straight games.

That brings me to this stat, courtesy of Dave Smith, a Delaware resident, baseball historian and founder of retrosheet.org, an indispensable resource for any baseball writer (or fan). Dave tells me that a player has had two steals in three straight games only 27 times since 1957, and Victorino is the first player to do it since 1997. The only other Phillies player to do it is Bob Dernier in 1982. Here's the full list. Thanks, as always, Dave.

Victorino (2007), Omar Vizquel (1997), Kenny Lofton (1996), Tom Goodwin (1996), Deion Sanders (1995), Lou Frazier (1994), Otis Nixon (1990), Rickey Henderson (1988, twice), John Cangelosi (1983), Tim Raines (1983, three times), Dernier (1982), Steve Sax (1982), Raines (1981), Rodney Scott (1980), Gene Richards (1980), Willie Wilson (1979), Bert Campaneris (1972), Lou Brock (1971, twice), Campaneris (1969), Maury Wills (1965), Willis (1962), Wills (1960).

May 13 -- HE'S BACK

Chris Coste had his tastiest breakfast of the season this morning. Yeah, the clubhouse catering is a little better in the majors.

Coste, who had to be one of the only players with a career .328 major-league average to begin the season in the minors, rejoined the Phillies today at Citizens Bank Park, having been recalled from Triple-A Ottawa last night after Ryan Howard was placed on the disabled list. After speaking with Coste this morning, I got the sense that he's less happy than he is relieved. In the back of his mind, he began doubting if he'd ever get back here. And, while replacing Howard on the roster isn't the circumstance he was hoping for to make his return, Coste is just looking forward to the opportunity, however long it may last.

"I will realize every day I'm here that every day could me my last," Coste said.

* * *

A few words about Brett Myers, since Matt In Philadelphia posed an interesting question on the last post: I don't have a problem with Charlie Manuel using Myers for two innings in a non-save situation last night. After watching Geoff Geary and Antonio Alfonseca struggle, and having seen Fabio Castro, Yoel Hernandez and Francisco Rosario get rocked last weekend in San Francisco, I don't think Manuel had a choice. Besides, in his brief tenure as a reliever, Myers has shown a knack for bouncing back well from a heavy workload.

That said, going to Myers in the eighth inning last night shows how thin the Phillies' bullpen really is. Whenever possible, they need at least seven innings from their starting pitchers. Jon Lieber needs to give them that kind of performance today as they go for a sweep of the Cubs.

* * *

In the Sunday baseball column in the 50-cent edition, Kevin Mench weighs in on the Brewers' fast start. Should be fun when the Brew Crew comes to town tomorrow.

* * *

Don't adjust your television sets today. Several Phillies will be swinging pink bats in honor of Mother's Day and breast cancer awareness. Speaking of which, don't forget to call your mother!

May 12 -- RYAN WHO?

Sitting through a rain delay here at the Bank. An hour ago, the Phillies were up 5-1, on their way to a ho-hum win over the Cubs. Now, thanks to Freddy Garcia and Geoff Geary, it's 5-5, and we may be looking at a long night. A few notes while we wait:

* I wonder if Ryan Howard has ever heard of Wally Pipp. Greg Dobbs (right), starting in place of Howard and doing his best Lou Gehrig impression, has three hits (note: After the rain delay, he picked up his fourth, a two-run triple that put the Phillies ahead 8-7).

* If you can't remember the last time the Phillies executed a suicide squeeze, don't feel bad. It's been a while. Actually, seven years. Carlos Ruiz's suicide squeeze in the sixth inning appears to be the Phillies' first since May 26, 2000, when catcher Tom Prince drove in Kevin Jordan in the sixth inning at Los Angeles. How long ago was that? Pat Burrell played first base in that game. Kevin Brown was pitching for the Dodgers.

* Scott Eyre is now the pitcher of record for the Cubs. What should Scott Eyre mean to you, Joe Phillies fan? Well, Pat Gillick often says the Cubs set the inflated market for middle relievers and setup men before last season when they signed free-agents Eyre (three years, $11 million) and Bobby Howry (three years, $12 million). Right now, I think the Phillies would take either of them -- at any price -- even though Eyre is struggling.

* Looks like Sal's Pals have invaded Canada.

Tarp is off the field and rain has stopped (for now). More later.

May 11 -- OUTTAKES

Space in Saturday's 50-cent edition was tight (even tighter than usual). Lucky for us, we have The Blog. Here goes ...

* It didn't happen today, and it probably won't happen tomorrow. But I still wouldn't be surprised if Ryan Howard goes on the DL. After having two MRI exams this morning, Howard waited until after 6 p.m. to get the results from team doctor Michael Ciccotti. The MRIs didn't reveal much that Howard didn't already suspect -- there's no structural damage to the sprained ligament below his left knee, and the pain in his left quad is being caused by a collection of blood in the area. But he didn't play again tonight, and Charlie Manuel said he won't play tomorrow. With Cubs lefty Ted Lilly starting Sunday, I doubt we'll see Howard then, either. Asked if the test results mean Howard won't go on the DL, assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said, "We're not sure. He's day-to-day, at this stage. We have some concerns about making sure he's healthy."

* Jamie, our fearless Blog participant and resident Pat Burrell defender, must be Nostradamus. Look, I don't think Burrell is, or ever will be, a better all-around player than Alfonso Soriano, regardless of what this guy says. But he certainly gave the Phillies what they needed tonight.

* Tom Gordon can't catch a break. But, evidently, he can catch an upper-respiratory infection.
* Jon Lieber wouldn't divulge how he cut his finger, causing his start to be pushed back from tonight to Sunday. Neither would Manuel nor pitching coach Rich Dubee. But, leave it to Amaro to spill the beans (sort of). He said he thinks Lieber was using a knife to cut some food when he sliced his finger instead.

* Cole Hamels was upset with home-plate umpire Larry Poncino for what he perceived to be an inconsistent strike zone. "It is a little difficult sometimes when you're throwing the same pitches as the other guy, and you're not getting the calls," Hamels said. Regardless, Hamels was good, allowing little more than the solo homers by Soriano and Aramis Ramirez.

* Freddy Garcia's first manager in the majors was Lou Piniella. So, with Garcia set to face the Cubs today, Piniella recalled watching him pitch for the Mariners from 1999 to 2002. "When we had him, he was a young kid that wanted to throw hard," Piniella said. "Now, he's become a nice pitcher. Freddy's had a real nice career for himself."

* Piniella on Jamie Moyer, another of his former pitchers with Seattle: "We brought him over from Boston, and I think the change of league was good for him. He's a crafty guy. His game has always been messing with the hitters' timing. It speaks volumes that he's been around as long as he has. This kid keeps himself in really good shape. He doesn't beat himself. You've got to take what he gives you." That's right. The 63-year-old Piniella actually called the 44-year-old Moyer a "kid."

* To elaborate on my point from the previous post: Curt Schilling had the perfect forum to speak his mind about Barry Bonds when he testified before a Congressional committee in March 2005. But, oddly, none of the indignation that he expressed in this week's radio interview in Boston came out during that hearing.

May 10 -- WHAT COULD'VE BEEN

With the Cubs making their only visit of the season to the Bank for a three-game series starting tomorrow night, you're bound to hear a lot about Alfonso Soriano, the player the Phillies most coveted last winter. Of course, nobody expected the Cubs to go all Vito Corleone and give Soriano an offer he couldn't refuse -- eight years, $136 million! But, just for kicks (and since the Phillies are off today), let's discuss what the lineup may have looked like had Soriano landed here. You tell me if you think it would be better or worse.

For starters, either Pat Burrell or Aaron Rowand would've been traded. Since there was absolutely no market for Burrell, Rowand probably would be batting .360 somewhere else right now. Maybe that deal with San Diego for eighth-inning specialist Scott Linebrink would've materialized, and lord knows, the Phillies could use Linebrink. Shane Victorino would be patrolling center field, with Soriano in right and Burrell in left. Also, Soriano prefers to bat leadoff, even though the Phillies envisioned him in the No. 5 spot, behind Ryan Howard. And, with Jimmy Rollins' early-season power surge, we'd probably be debating whether Rollins or Soriano should be at the top of the lineup.

Anyway, Soriano wound up in the Windy City, where he didn't hit a home run in April. In fact, he began the season in an 8-for-39 slump (.205). But he's batting .370 since April 13 and coming to Philly with a career-high 18-game hitting streak. Check out Soriano's numbers against Cole Hamels, tonight's starter.

***

Leftovers from while I was traveling home last night ...

-Curt Schilling made a fool of himself ... again. Then, he apologized on his blog. You know, if Barry Bonds has a chance to break Hank Aaron's record against Schilling next month, I may actually root for Bonds.

-Bonds hit No. 745, and once again, he didn't speak to reports afterward. Only 10 more homers before he ties Aaron, and 19 more games until the Giants come to Philly on June 1. Can't wait for the circus to arrive.

May 8 -- NO RELIEF

This conversation, between Charlie Manuel and Pat Gillick, took place in December in the lobby of a Disney World resort during the winter meetings. And, while I wasn't sitting at the table (I was hovering nearby with my notebook at the ready), I can almost guarantee it went something like this:

Gillick: I can't believe how much money the Cubs spent on Alfonso Soriano. We're going to have to look elsewhere to find a big right-handed bat to protect Ryan Howard.

Manuel: That would be great, Pat. But I really think we could use some bullpen help.

Gillick: We probably should upgrade at the catching position, too. Rod Barajas is still on the free-agent market. And, we really need to beef up our bench. I wonder who we can get. I've always liked Jayson Werth.

Manuel: Um, Pat, how about getting us a reliever or two? I really think that's our biggest need.

Wherever Manuel went this winter -- from the meetings in Orlando, to each of the Phillies' winter tour stops, to a fundraiser for the baseball program at Eastern Mennonite University -- he talked about the need for beefing up the bullpen by adding a reliever or two.

Gillick got Antonio Alfonseca.

The Phillies' bullpen was shaky in spring training. And now, with Tom Gordon and Ryan Madson on the disabled list, it's thinner than Kate Moss. Other than Geoff Geary and neophyte closer Brett Myers, Manuel has nobody he can trust. Last night, with the Phillies threatening to tie the game in the seventh, he lifted starter Freddy Garcia for a pinch-hitter. Alfonseca gave up a run in the seventh, Francisco Rosario gave up a run in the eighth, and the Phillies lost 4-3. Tonight, with the game tied, the go-ahead run on third base and two outs in the seventh, Manuel let starter Adam Eaton hit. Eaton grounded out, gave up the go-ahead run in the seventh on Tony Clark's pinch-hit homer, and the Phillies lost 3-2. No question, if Manuel had any faith in Yoel Hernandez or Fabio Castro or Clay Condrey, he would've pinch-hit for Eaton.

But he doesn't, so he didn't.

Gillick is fond of saying he didn't want to overspend for a reliever last winter, and the market for relievers was absurd. But, directly or indirectly, the bullpen has already cost the Phillies at least 10 games. The scary part is, unless Gillick can pitch the seventh inning, the Phillies appear to be stuck with this bullpen, at least until Gordon and Madson get back. And even then, it's not very good.

If, in the interim, the Phillies continue to plummet in the NL East, Gillick may wish he kicked in some extra moolah for Danys Baez or took a chance on Joe Borowski's questionable shoulder.

Manuel could always say, "I told you so."

May 7 -- HOWARD HURTING

Before last night's game in San Francisco, Ryan Howard told me his left quadriceps has been sore and stiff since spring training. Players have aches and pain all the time, especially over the course of a 162-game season. But Howard, who took a .198 average into the game, sounded different.

He sounded worried.

Howard sounded like, if the problem persists, he may have to go on the disabled list. He said it has affected his hitting because he's having trouble shifting his weight from his left (back) leg to his right leg. Anyone who knows anything about hitting knows that's a big problem.

"It gets better and better, and then it gets worse," Howard said. "Just as far as getting comfortable in the box, I can feel it. When I get into a squat position, I can feel it tighten up some. If it keeps nagging, we'll get to the point where we want to get it looked at."

Well, it's reached that point.

Howard wasn't in the lineup tonight at Arizona against lefty Doug Davis, and he won't start tomorrow night or Wednesday (against lefty Randy Johnson) either. On Friday, after the Phillies return home, he'll have his quad examined by team physician Michael Ciccotti. Howard was asked last night if going on the DL might help the injury heal. "Maybe it could, I don't know," he said. "Once we see what's going on with it, we'll have a better idea."

The Phillies came into tonight's game with a 14-17 record. They're already trailing the Mets and Braves in the NL East. If Howard goes on the DL, things may only get worse. But he may need to go on the DL to let his quad heal in order to help the team.

You be the GM. What should the Phils do?

May 7 -- FREDDY LIVES!

You didn't really think Freddy Garcia would let a grounds-crew maintenance cart prevent him from starting tonight, did you?

Well, for a moment yesterday, it didn't look good. Garcia ran into a cart on the warning track while tracking a batting-practice fly ball hit by Ryan Howard, skinning and bruising his left shin. "Ouch" doesn't even begin to describe it. But Garcia said last night in San Francisco that he'd probably be able to pitch, and sure enough, he arrived in Arizona today and told Charlie Manuel that he could go.

Really, there never should've been any doubt.

Garcia hasn't missed many starts -- only four since 2000 -- in his career. And although he hasn't pitched well this season (1-2, 6.05 ERA), his track record suggests he'll get better. Even when he's not going well, he's a better alternative than Adam Eaton on short rest or Clay Condrey, Francisco Rosario or anyone else in the bullpen. By the way, in his only other career start at Chase Field on July 18, 2000, Garcia allowed one run in seven innings.

May 6 -- LOOKALIKES?

SAN FRANCISCO -- Someone in the press box tonight suggested Giants rookie phenom Tim Lincecum looks like Cameron Frye from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. You be the judge.

Anyway, Lincecum lasted only 4-1/3 innings in his major-league debut, gave up homers to Shane Victorino and a sore Ryan Howard and was outpitched by Cole Hamels. But Charlie Manuel can see what all the fuss is about. "I'd trade for him," Manuel said. "But I wouldn't give up Hamels."

***

Hamels said he was disappointed Barry Bonds wasn't in the Giants' lineup. Hamels has never faced Bonds, and if he doesn't match up against the Giants next month at The Bank, there's a chance he never will. "Even if I give up a home run to him, I'll know I've stood on the mound and stared out at one of the best," Hamels said.

***

Remember how Victorino was upset about not being in the lineup last Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Atlanta? Well, the Flyin' Hawaiian made up for lost time by going 10-for-17 with a home run, four RBIs, seven runs and six stolen bases against the Giants. Not a bad weekend.

***

Funny pregame moment: Some fans gathered outside the Phillies' clubhouse to seek autographs (quick tip: That's not such a good idea 30 minutes before a game). After Pat Burrell, Chase Utley, Aaron Rowand, Rod Barajas, and others walked by without stopping, just-recalled reliever Clay Condrey passed by. "Clay, can you sign?" someone shouted. Condrey stopped and turned, looking positively shocked. "Hey, they recognize me!" he said, before obliging.

***

Jimmy Rollins, Michael Bourn and Howard agreed with the scoring of the De La Hoya-Mayweather fight. Did you?

***

As ESPN cameras captured Bonds grabbing his bat and preparing to pinch-hit in the ninth inning, the famous shark sound effect from Jaws was played over the public-address system. Very appropriate.

That's all for tonight.

May 6 -- FREDDY GARCIA INJURED

SAN FRANCISCO -- Freddy Garcia ran into a grounds crew cart while he was tracking a fly ball in the outfield during batting practice and suffered a bruised left shin.

Seriously.

I'm not joking.

In the absolute strangest on-field injury I've ever seen in nine years of covering sports, Garcia was taken (ironically, by the same cart he crashed into) to the dugout, where he hopped down the stairs and limped into the clubhouse. GM Pat Gillick said Garcia isn't seriously injured, but the Phillies won't know until tomorrow if he'll be able to make his start at Arizona. That said, Gillick is wondering why a grounds-crew cart similar to the one pictured here was on the field during batting practice.

Good question, Pat. So, we asked Jorge Costa, the Giants' VP of ballpark operations. According to Costa, it's "standard operating procedure" at AT&T Park, although it's highly unusual everywhere else. But at the Ballpark By The Bay, grounds crew members tend to the bullpen mounds while the opposing team takes BP. The bullpens are located down the left- and right-field lines, so the grounds crew preps one mound, drives the cart along the outfield warning track and preps the other.

Nobody ever gets hit.

Well, except Freddy Garcia, who must've had a curse or a hex or a jinx placed on him when he was traded to the Phillies. Garcia said after tonight's game that his shin was feeling better, but a flight to Arizona tonight may change that. Then again, the way Garcia's season is going, what else can possibly go wrong?

"We're suing!" a smiling Brett Myers hollered in the clubhouse.

Garcia shook his head. "Who gets hit by a cart?" he said.

Only you, Freddy. Only you.