BY SCOTT LAUBER So, in case you were wondering, here's how this doubleheader decision happened.
After last night's game was postponed, the Phillies and Brewers held separate team meetings. Jimmy Rollins, the Phillies' player rep, said most of his teammates voted for a doubleheader to preserve Monday's off-day, even though Charlie Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee preferred a Monday game to keep the starting rotation in order. But, even if the Phillies had voted to play Monday, they would've been overruled by the Brewers, who were adamant about playing a doubleheader. The Brewers haven't had a day off since Aug. 29. If they had to play Monday, they would've gone 24 consecutive games before their next off-day. And, according to players' association bylaws, teams can't play on more than 20 consecutive days without getting approval from the union.
"We debated and debated and debated," Brewers managed Ned Yost said. "We need an off day."
So, there's that.
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Could Ryan Howard be playing himself into consideration for the NL MVP award with another strong September? Manuel said Howard's value to the Phillies can't be measured by things like batting average or strikeouts.
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A few words on Cole Hamels, whose latest big start comes here today: Hamels lacked his usual fastball velocity last Sunday night in New York, and when he tried to overthrow it and lost command, the Mets sat on his breaking stuff. Dubee reminded Hamels of his first game after the All-Star break when he didn't have his best fastball but got by on guts, guile and good breaking pitches. "He doesn't have to throw 92 or 93 because of the separation [in velocity] between his fastball and his changeup," Dubee said. "That's what this game is all about, especially when you've got his repertoire."
Enjoy your Saturday.
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