June 12 -- TO BUNT, OR NOT TO BUNT?

FORT LAUDERDALE -- OK, here's the situation: Bases loaded, two outs, top of the ninth inning, game tied 2-2, Jayson Werth at the plate against Marlins closer Kevin Gregg.

And Werth bunts.

Good play? Bad play?

Werth's thinking was simple. He saw Marlins third baseman Wes Helms playing "farther back than back" on the infield, and everyone who saw the Phils last season knows that Helms is, well, defensively challenged. So, he figured he'd try to sneak a bunt past Gregg and down the third-base line. But it never made it past Gregg, who made the play to retire Werth and kill the rally.

Then, in the bottom of the ninth, Dan Uggla went boom against Tom Gordon, and the Marlins won, 6-2.

"I was trying to catch them by surprise," Werth said. "It was a play that I've been part of in the minor leagues actually to win a game. Helms was back. He was farther back than back. It's good play, bad play. It's good if it works and bad if it doesn't."

Said manager Charlie Manuel: "I want him swinging there. He hardly ever bunts. He saw the infield back and tried to make a play. If he gets the ball down, I'll be sitting here telling you it's a hell of a play."

So, what do you think? Good play or bad play?

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Between opening day and last night, Gordon had gone 5-1 with a 2.13 ERA in 27 appearances. That's pretty darn good. So, it was strange to see him struggle so mightily with his command last night before serving up Uggla's grand slam.

"It happens," Cole Hamels said. "Flash has been doing well for us all year long. I know he doesn't take it personally. He might, but I don't, just because I know he's going to capitalize the next time he goes out."

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Hamels vs. Andrew Miller was a sight to see. Just ask Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez.

"It was like old-time baseball for eight innings," he said. "Both pitched terrific. It was one of those matchups you read about, two young left-handers matching pitch-for-pitch."

More later from Dolphin Stadium.