BY SCOTT LAUBER Didn't see much of Pat Burrell yesterday.
Before the game, he didn't spend much time at his locker. He didn't take batting practice either, in accordance with the suggestions of Charlie Manuel and Milt Thompson. And, for the second time in three games, he wasn't in the lineup for the Phillies' 8-6 victory over the Marlins.
What gives?
Well, Burrell is in a miserable slump. He has two hits in his last 15 at-bats, and since Aug. 24, he's 6-for-49 (.122). Break it out even further: In 34 games since Aug. 1, Burrell is batting .175 (21-for-120) with four home runs and 13 RBIs.
"He wants to win, and I think he tries too hard sometimes," Manuel said. "When you're not getting hits, it's kind of the natural tendency to do that. I told him to take it easy. I want him to sit down, relax, get away from things, and see how it works."
So, when might Burrell play again?
"We'll see," Manuel said. "Pat's our regular left fielder. Just because he hits a tough spot and he's not swinging well at the moment doesn't mean I'm going to go away from him and not put him back in there."
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Jayson Werth belted a three-run homer last night, but he bristled when he was asked if he took more satisfaction out of taking a right-hander (Marlins reliever Joe Nelson) deep.
"Should I?" Werth said.
Well, moments earlier, Manuel said this about Werth: "When he improves against right-handers, he'll be a very good everyday player." Reminded of his reputation that he struggles against righties, Werth said, "My numbers against right-handers aren't that bad. But sometimes it's hard to shake a label."
Werth is a .251 career hitter against righties, .292 against lefties. This season, he's batting .258 (54-for-209) with seven homers and 26 RBIs against righties, .304 (42-for-138) with 15 homers and 33 RBIs aginst lefties. Manuel is a big Werth supporter, and it's likely that Werth will be an everyday player for the Phils next season, especially if they don't re-sign Burrell.
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