NEW YORK -- Listening to Chris Coste and Charlie Manuel give their versions of the decisive play at the plate in the 12th inning last night, I was reminded of former WCBS sports anchor Warner Wolf, whose catchphrase when he showed highlights on the 11 o'clock news in New York was, "Let's Go To The Videotape."
Well, after the game, Coste and Manuel did exactly that, and they believe Jose Reyes was out.
What did y'all think?
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Most of the notebook in today's paper is about Ryan Madson, who told us (and, presumably, pitching coach Rich Dubee, too) that he'd rather not pitch multiple innings on back-to-back days early in the season. Madson, as you know, missed the final two months of last season with a strained shoulder, and it seems he's a bit gun shy about pushing his shoulder too hard too soon. Dubee and Manuel understand, but they also expect Madson to do his part. And, in any bullpen, there are times when relievers have to pitch even when they're tired or not feeling well.
To me, this is the fascinating part of relief pitching. I talked to Tom Gordon about this during spring training. Most relievers are loath to ask their manager or pitching coach for a day off because they don't want to be labeled as "soft." But Gordon said relievers also have to listen to their body, and if they need a rest, they must ask for it, or else they aren't doing their team any good. There's a fine line between being gutsy and stupid. Dubee is pretty good about touching base with his pitchers before each game to ask how they feel. During batting practice, he walks around the outfield and talks to each reliever to find out who's available.
Still, I get the feeling that Dubee and Manuel would like Madson to be a little tougher. This will certainly be something to watch as the season goes along. Madson is a critical part of the bullpen as the bridge from the starters to the late-inning guys, namely J.C. Romero, Gordon and closer Brad Lidge.
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Also within the notebook, there are a few words about Steve Kline, Kris Benson (remember him?) and Brett Myers, who, according to Dubee, isn't tipping his pitches. But he also isn't throwing his fastball enough, something he will endeavor to change tonight when he faces the Cubs at the Bank.
*Lost in all the extra-inning action last night was another solid start for Adam Eaton. Are you a believer yet?
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Depending on where you live, your paper may include an early-edition story on Shane Victorino, whose slow start hasn't gone unnoticed in his home state of Hawaii. Those of you who received a later edition got the game story instead. Either way, the fine folks at delawareonline.com put the story on the Web for your perusal.
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Tough start for the Phillies' new Class AAA affiliate in Lehigh Valley. The IronPigs return to Allentown for their home-opener tonight after going 0-8 on their season-opening road trip. What's the problem? Looks like the offense. Lehigh Valley scored only 10 runs in its first eight games.
4 comments:
Tons of questions in that post, but ill bite.
Thought Coste had the plate blocked well. looked like the tag was made by Coste before the plate, he was out. Phils didnt get any calls at first either -- Taguchi. I like Charlies comments surrounding the umps probably wanting to go home. Hes probably right.
I thought Dubees comments ("once a week? Once a month?") after hearing what Madson had to say about rest were sharp. Hope there isnt a rift there. If Benson isnt ready to pitch in minor league games yet, my guess is Madson is our long relief guy, so hed better get used to it.
Better get used to it because no, I'm not a believer of eaton yet. hes been thhrowing great, and sadly getting no offense, but ill eat my words if he can keep it up. We need it.
And what also shouldnt be lost amid the struggles of Lehigh are the numbers on Happ. Very disappointing.
that was a solid pitching game and that makes me really happy. Also nice to see Howard homer and Feliz get his first. Proof that he CAN actually hit the longball. Lets be positive here. Although we are now 4-6 after 10 games, we were 2-8 after 10 last season!
What do I think about the call at the plate? Just this:
Crying about the officiating - whether it was good or bad - is for losers. Good teams don't leave themselves in a position where that can beat them. The Phillies had their chances; they didn't capitalize. They should focus on that, not on the call at the plate.
Why is Eric Bruntlett batting second, instead of eighth? I understand they need to use him with Rollins out - but let's limit the damage, eh? Maybe it's time to give Jayson Werth some starts in CF, and in the leadoff hole, if Rollins can't play.
Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling thought Reyes was out on the SNY broadcast.
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