DENVER -- So, the Phillies just concluded their off-day workout here at Coors Field. A few of you have e-mailed me today, wondering what sort of mood they're in with their season on the brink of extinction. And, having spent the past few hours in the clubhouse or the dugout, I can tell you the Phillies are in good spirits.Actually, they couldn't be looser.
To wit: As the workout ended, Ryan Howard stood near the top step of the dugout, patted each teammate on the head or the rear and said, "Hey, take the rest of the day off." There was laughing and joking, just like any other day. Of course, it's easy to be relaxed today. There's no game tonight. The real test will be tomorrow when they report to the clubhouse and start thinking more about what's at stake.
I've got to start hammering away at articles for the 50-center. For now, I'll leave you with a few links from yesterday's game. Don't forget to weigh in on whether you think the Phillies can win three straight games and take the series.
- The game story takes a look at what a difference four days make at the Bank.
- Martin Frank writes about Jamie Moyer, the pitcher and the teacher. The season is riding on his left arm.
- Cole Hamels won't pitch again this season unless there's a Game 5. Selfish or smart? You tell me.
- Kyle Kendrick was lifted after 3-2/3 innings yesterday. Guess what: Rockies starter Franklin Morales was replaced after only three innings. And whether or not you agree with Charlie Manuel's decision to replace Kendrick, the difference was the Rockies' bullpen getting outs and the Phillies' bullpen getting rocked.
- A closer look at Water-Gate.
2 comments:
Smart, he's just coming off the DL and threw over a 100 pitches in his last 2 starts. No Brainer!
I would've preferred to hear Hamels say, "I'll do whatever they think will help the team." Then had Manuel say that Hamels would pitch the fifth game, if necessary.
But I don't really think it makes that much of a difference. If the Phils advance, it's going to be because they won three in a row. It doesn't matter which game Hamels wins, because Moyer and Lohse are going to have to win too.
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