July 3 -- UNCLE CHARLIE

HOUSTON -- Surely, the fact that the Phillies already have used 24 pitchers, three shy of the single-season franchise record, in only 83 games is no laughing matter. But, if you're Charlie Manuel, laughter is the best -- and maybe the only -- medicine when it comes to the pitching staff with the worst ERA (4.93) in the National League.

So, before yesterday's game, Manuel shared some uproariously funny stories about his 2000 Cleveland Indians, a team that set the AL record by using 32 pitchers. Unfortunately, the 50-cent edition isn't big enough to hold all of these tales in their entirety, but that's what the Blog is for. Enjoy.

"We brought in a left-hander one time [Mike Mohler], and he gave up a home run [to Detroit's Bobby Higginson] that went into the second deck. I went to the mound to take him out, and I called him Bill. He said, 'Charlie, my name is Mike. I said, 'It doesn't really matter. Whatever. That ball landed in the second deck. I'll remember that home run.'

"Another time, he called up a guy from double-A. I didn't find out about it until the next day. Then, one of the reporters says, 'Charlie, did you know this guy was 0-10 with a 7-something ERA?' I thought he was kidding. Our baseball people said, 'He was the only guy we had that we thought could help you.' Before the game, [general manager John] Hart says to me, 'What do you plan to do with him? I said, 'Pitch him, what else?' Hart says, 'You know I've never told you what to do, but Charlie, please don't pitch him!"

Hilarious stuff. Postscript: Manuel said the kid was sent back to the minors without getting into a game. If he had, that would've made 33 pitchers used by the Tribe that year. Somehow, that team won 90 games. Didn't make the playoffs, though. Neither will the Phillies if their pitching doesn't improve. Dramatically.

*
After last night's 7-5 loss, Shane Victorino wondered if his lunge into the stands was smart. With the Phillies' bullpen, it wouldn't have made much of a difference if he caught the ball.

*
Within this notebook, there's news that first-round pick Joe Savery, a Houston native, may visit with the team today. If he does, we'll certainly let you know. Also, you'll find injury updates on Tom Gordon, Freddy Garcia and Brett Myers.