BY SCOTT LAUBERSo, in case you missed it, Barack Obama reached a presidential milestone yesterday when he spent his 100th day in the Oval Office. It was a largely symbolic occasion, but naturally, it gave political analysts the chance to reflect (and pass judgment) on Obama's level of effectiveness during his first 100 days on the job. And, of course, everyone seemed to have an opinion.
Well, the Phillies hit their own marker last night. They played their 20th game -- and finished their first month -- of the season by losing to the Nationals, 4-1, at the Bank. Brett Myers threw OK, except for a bout of wildness in the third inning that included walking pitcher Scott Olsen and a bases-loaded walk to Ryan Zimmerman. Pin this loss, though, on the offense, which left 10 men on base, went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position, and wasted scoring opportunities in the fourth, sixth and eighth innings.
But I chose to take more of a big-picture approach with the game story in today's News Journal. The Phillies finished April with an 11-9 record, which is somewhat of a wonder when you consider the following:
a) Jimmy Rollins is batting .207 (.241 OBP), and as late as Sunday, was batting .162.
b) The pitching staff has allowed 40 homers and has an NL-worst 5.63 ERA.
c) Luckless ace Cole Hamels has pitched only 17-1/3 innings.
d) The entire organization mourned Harry Kalas' untimely death on April 13.
e) Knee problems have contributed to Brad Lidge's 7.27 ERA.
Given all that, you never would've believed the Phillies could have had a winning month, right? For that, they can thank sizzling Chase Utley (.342, 7 HR, 20 RBI, 1.105 OPS) and Raul Ibanez (.359, 7 HR, 17 RBI, 1.151 OPS) and a relentless offense that has scored nearly half its runs after the sixth inning and already has staged several memorable comebacks. It marks only the second time in Charlie Manuel's five-year tenure that the Phillies have had a winning first month. They went 15-13 last season after going 11-14 (after starting 4-11) in 2007 and 10-14 in both 2006 and 2005. But while Manuel thinks 11-9 is good, he also believes the Phillies can be better, even after facing so many early-season problems.
"You've got to handle all the adversity that comes at you," Manuel said. "That's part of it. We talk about staying focused on what we want to do. At the same time, we can't use those things as excuses. Our record is what it is. ... Fortunate? Yeah, in some ways, maybe we are fortunate. But it is what it is."
So, what do you think? All things considered, are you happy with 11-9?
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Before last night's game, I had a conversation with Ryan Madson, the fill-in closer until Lidge is ready to pitch. You can read Madson's thoughts, plus get injury updates on Lidge, Hamels and Carlos Ruiz, within the notebook.
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Day off for the Phils, but stop by later today for more on this weekend's series against the rival Mets. Also, don't forget to follow me -- and Philled In -- on Twitter and Facebook.
4 comments:
I think it's a testament to the offense that we have a winning record despite a 5.63 staff ERA. And don't forget that the offense sputtered out completely against Braden Looper and Dave Bush last week, but they were able to get out of the funk quickly and get back to mashing. Throw in an anemic Jimmy Rollins and it becomes even more impressive that we had a winning April.
Scott, unrelated question, but what's going on with Anthony Hewitt? He isn't listed on any of the rosters of the farm teams. Are they holding him out of Lakewood and/or Clearwater to wait for playing time once the Gulf Coast League season gets underway?
Zach,
I believe Hewitt is in extended spring training until GSL begins.
Zach: Bananafish is right. Hewitt is in extended spring training. He'll most likely start the season at short-season Williamsport, although I imagine there's a chance he'll start in the Gulf Coast League. I'll try to get an answer for you.
Thanks guys, much appreciated.
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