BY SCOTT LAUBERAs bad losses go, it's hard to imagine one much worse than last night's for the Phillies.
The Nationals are a terrible team. Just awful. How awful? Only the Padres have as many losses (86). And, last night, their lineup included rookies at second base (Emilio Bonifacio), first base (Kory Casto), left field (Roger Bernadina) and right field (Elijah Dukes) and inexperience at catcher (Wil Nieves). Even their "stars," third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and center fielder Lastings Milledge are green. Only shortstop Cristian Guzman could be considered a veteran.
Playoff-caliber teams can't lose two of three games against the Nationals.
But the Phillies got only four innings from starter Joe Blanton. And after Ryan Howard's second homer of the night opened a 5-4 lead, overworked Chad Durbin allowed a game-tying homer to Zimmerman in the seventh. Then, in the eighth, Durbin and J.C. Romero combined to allow four runs, and although the Phillies scored twice in the ninth, they couldn't complete a comeback.
Bad loss.
But, on the drive home from the nation's capital, I was reminded that the Phillies suffered a terrible loss almost exactly a year ago. On Sept. 5, 2007, in the finale of a Labor Day week series in Atlanta, the Phils blew an 8-2 lead in the final two innings of a 9-8 loss to the Braves. (Remember, Chris Roberson losing a ball in the sun because he didn't have sunglasses). Well, the Phils had a day off after that game, returned home and lost again, dropping to six games behind the first-place Mets. By Sept. 12, they were seven games behind New York.
And then, well, you know what happened next.
Point is, a three-game deficit with 22 games to play is hardly insurmountable, even if it is their largest since May 11. But, if the Phillies are counting on another improbable comeback, well, it won't be easy. Septembers like last year are like bolts of lightning. They rarely strike twice. The Mets probably won't collapse again the way they did last September. And the odds are against the Phillies winning 13 of their last 17 games. So, last night's loss was, in fact, a terrible loss. And there's no overstating the importance of this weekend's series at Shea.
Let's hear from you: Do you think the Phillies have to sweep the Mets to have any hope of winning the NL East?
***
The Phillies' version of Decision '08 really wasn't much of a decision. Cole Hamels will start Sunday night against the Mets, but honestly, I never thought there was a chance Charlie Manuel or Rich Dubee would let anyone else take the ball.
Also, within the notebook, there are a few words on Kyle Kendrick's uncertain future. Once again, let's hear from you: Should Kendrick start Monday? Should he start again this season?
3 comments:
I say give the ball to Happ for Kendrick's next spot. Kendrick is young and his innings are probably getting high at this point. No point in pushing him when he's not even that sharp lately. Maybe shut him down as a starter for the final month. Should we make the playoffs he could then be on the relief core (since it would be tragic to exclude him after his season).
Also, the rotation should be shuffled so Hamels could pitch EVERY game. Yes, 9 innings of EVERY remaining game. That would put the Phils in the best position to win.
Scott,
I really enjoy reading your blog. The season seems to be slipping away. As a long suffering fan, I cannot comprehend why the media (with the exception of the venerable Bill Conlin) rarely criticize the management.
The current difficulties and failings of the team date back to last season and were not addressed in the off season.
As you well know, Rowand's bat and leadership were not replaced, Lohse was not re-signed. Despite Gordon's arm problem, middle relief was not upgraded, etc.
And now, Durbin's arm is fatigued. Can you kindly explain why Carlos Carrasco was not recalled?
I think I can. Management does not want him to accrue any major league service time. The only thing that matters to the ownership group is the bottom line.
Mike
You're a real bright guy, Andrew?
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