Aug. 31 -- ON TAP FOR TODAY

Good morning. A few things to pass along before heading over to the ballpark ...

* As of last night, the Phillies still hadn't named a starter for the second half of Saturday's day-night doubleheader. But as the News Journal reported within this notebook Wednesday, count on it being Scott Mathieson. Heard from a good source in Scranton yesterday that Mathieson is scheduled to pitch Saturday for the Red Barons. He's probably the Class AAA pitcher the Phils trust most, and as you know, they need to win games.

* Ryan Howard goes for homer No. 49 again tonight against Nats starter Pedro Astacio. Howard didn't go deep last night, snapping a streak of four straight games with a home run. But he did crush a two-run double on a 3-0 pitch over Nats center fielder Ryan Church's head (hard to believe Church was playing so shallow). Howard has 40 RBIs in August, a pretty incredible run and one that may just win him the NL MVP award if the Phillies make the playoffs.

* Didn't have space to fully explain this in today's paper: Playoff rosters need to be set by tomorrow (Sept. 1), which is why the Phils called up catcher Carlos Ruiz last night. They want Ruiz on the playoff roster, in case anything should happen to oft-injured Mike Lieberthal. Lefty reliever Matt Smith was sent down to Class A Clearwater to make room for Ruiz. Why Clearwater? Well, the Threshers aren't going to make the Florida State League playoffs, so Smith can be recalled once their season ends. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is going to the International League playoffs, and if he'd been sent there, Smith would've had to stay on the roster until the postseason is over.

* Tom Gordon pitches for Class A Clearwater today. I'll post an update as soon as his outing is complete.

* Rain in the forecast today, but for now, the sun is out in DC. Let's hope it stays that way.

More later.

Aug. 30 -- CONINE OR LANCE?

Further proof that Jeff Conine and Lance Armstrong were separated at birth ...

Aug. 28 -- POSTGAME: MARSH'S EXPLANATION

OK, here's a transcript of third-base umpire (and crew chief) Randy Marsh's postgame comments regarding the ball David Wright hit down the third-base line. Initially, he called it a foul ball. After Mets third-base coach Manny Acta protested, home-plate umpire Angel Hernandez overuled the call, claiming the ball hit the bag.

For the record, I watched the replay a few times and never saw it hit the base. But that doesn't mean it didn't graze it, even slightly.

Anyway, here's Marsh's explanation:

Q: What was your view of the ball?
A: The ball was curving down the line, and to be honest with you, at the last minute I had the third baseman coming over and the runner down the line and I got distracted for a second. The next thing I knew the ball was outside [the bag] and I thought it was a foul ball. Manny Acta said it hit the corner of the bag, and Willie [Randolph] came out. I looked at Angel and our partners, and I knew. I can’t believe that I would have missed that, but like I said, I was just distracted for a second. I took my eye off it, which is wrong. It was my fault.

Q: What was said during the conference with the other umps?
A: Angel and the guys said it definitely ricocheted off the bag. In that situation, if it’s a correctable call, we do it. Sometimes it might be a situation where you can’t, but in that situation you could.

Q: Why was Carlos Beltran allowed to score from second base on the play?
A: The logic there was that it definitely was past the third baseman, so the batter was going to get a hit and the run was going to score. So we scored the run. It was not definite that the runner on first would get to third, and it was not definite that the batter would get to second. So we left the runner from first on second.

Q: Why did the umps decide to convene?
A: Willie wanted me to get together and get some help.

Q: What, exactly, is the rule?
A: It’s basically common sense and fair play. We’re trying to correct an incorrect call. Put it this way: it was a correctable call. Sometimes you might have a ball hit in the gap and it’s a catch or a no-catch, and it’s impossible to change those. What would you do about placing runners there? That situation is different. This is a correctable situation.

Q: So, really, there is no rule?
A: There’s no rule. It’s the umpires getting together and using logic to correct an umpire’s call.

Q: How often does that happen?
A: It doesn’t happen often. We do have it sometimes fair or foul going around the pole. Several years ago in the New York-Boston series we had two calls that were changed. One was whether it was a home run or not and the other was the A-Rod play at first base. We’re trying to get the call correct. I’m not to proud we had to get together in this situation, but I wanted to do what was right for the game.

Q: Was there off-field help from instant replay, etc.?
A: It’s just the four guys on the field.

Aug. 28 -- IN-GAME: STRANGE CALL

Mets have taken control of the game with six runs in the third inning against Jamie Moyer. But the inning featured one of the strangest things I've seen in baseball.

David Wright hit a ball down the third-base line that appeared to go foul. The Mets contested it hit the third-base bag. The umpires conferred, and home-plate umpire Angel Hernandez overruled third-base ump Randy Marsh's original call. Wright was awarded first base, and Carlos Beltran was sent home from third base.

Naturally, Charlie Manuel protested and got ejected for the second time in three games.

Also, Endy Chavez continues to kill the Phillies. He picked up a single to start that third-inning rally.

More later.

Aug. 28 -- GAME ON!

For the first time in two days, the tarp is off the field here at Shea Stadium. That, in itself, is cause for celebration, since the Phillies (and the press corps that follows them) have to be in D.C. tomorrow.

Two notes before the game starts:

* Jeff Conine -- who I suggest, and several fellow scribes agree, looks a bit like Lance Armstrong -- has arrived. He traveled here by train from Baltimore last night after getting the game-tying hit in the Orioles' come-from-behind win. Conine is wearing No. 19, but he isn't in the lineup today. In case you were wondering, bench coach Gary Varsho has switched to No. 30 from No. 19.

* Busy day in Flushing Meadow. Of course, the Mets, who were scheduled to be off today, are hosting the Phillies in a makeup of yesterday's rainout. Next door, it's opening day for the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament. Bad day for the 7 Train to have delays, but that's exactly what happened this morning. It took nearly an hour to get from Manhattan to Queens. Anyway, my pick to win the Open? Andre Agassi. It'll be a legendary curtain call for him.

I'll try to update this blog throughout the day, so if you're online at work and unable to watch the game, please stay tuned.

Aug. 26 -- SURGERY FOR ROWAND

This just in from the Phillies:

Aaron Rowand underwent surgery Friday on his fractured left ankle. Two screws were inserted into a bone on the inside of his ankle, and his foot was placed in a cast. For now, the prognosis remains the same: 4-6 weeks. But manager Charlie Manuel said it's difficult to imagine Rowand will be ready to play before the playoffs, if the Phillies make it.

Check Sunday's News Journal for more details.

Aug. 26 -- WHO'S THE MVP?

Being in NY for the past few days, there's been a lot of talk about the NL MVP race. And it should be a good one.

Every time Carlos Beltran steps up to the plate, Mets fans chant "MVP...MVP!" In St. Louis, the Cardinals shudder to think of where they'd be without Albert Pujols. And, the prevailing opinion around the Phillies is that Ryan Howard has been as valuable as anyone.

If you had a vote, who would you pick? Here are their stats through Friday night to help with your choice.

Beltran: 115 G, .286 AVG, 37 HR, 106 BI
Howard: 125 G, .293 AVG, 45 HR, 117 BI
Pujols: 109 G, .324 AVG, 38 HR, 107 BI

Aug. 22 -- BREAKING NEWS: ROWAND BREAKS ANKLE

As soon as I saw it, I knew it wasn't good. Chase Utley's glove flew toward right field. Aaron Rowand's legs flew every which way, as he jack-hammered into the air. Their collision in the eighth inning last night might've been the most violent I've seen between an infielder and outfielder.

Turns out, it also cost Rowand the rest of the season.

Rowand has a broken ankle. The Phillies found out early this morning after Rowand went for X-rays at Northwestern University Medical Center. Naturally, people are going to assess blame. Could Rowand and Utley have communicated better? Who's ball was it? Should Utley, who seemed to have the ball in his glove upon impact, have called Rowand off, or did he and Rowand didn't listen? For what it's worth, Rowand told me his left foot got stuck in a hole in Wrigley Field's "uneven" outfield grass, causing his leg to buckle. So, Rowand is saying the turf, not the collision, caused the break.

My take: Who cares?

The real issue is this: The Phillies are now faced with winning the NL wild card without their center fielder and with a three-man bench that includes, for the moment, Chris Roberson and Danny Sandoval, neither of whom have shown they can hit at the major-league level.

So, what now?

For now, Shane Victorino will take over in center field. Pat Burrell and David Dellucci figure to start in left and right, respectively. Keep in mind: Dellucci hasn't played right field on a regular basis since 2003 and is nursing a tight quad muscle.



But the bigger problem is the bench.

Clearly, the Phils need to make a move. The best in-house candidate is 23-year-old outfielder Michael Bourn, but he's not major-league-ready yet either. The Mets are hot after Shawn Green, but the D-Backs outfielder has a no-trade clause and is due to make $9.5 million next season. That's WAY too rich for the Phillies.

Of course, the Phillies don't have to look for an outfielder. They could always go with Victorino, Dellucci and Burrell, with Roberson as a spare, and bolster the bench by adding another infielder or a third catcher. Backup catcher Chris Coste can also play first and third base, if needed.

OK, you be GM Pat Gillick. Where would you turn? Who would you acquire? Would you make a trade or stay in-house?

Aug. 21 -- MOYER TRADE ... YOUR THOUGHTS?

Greetings from Chicago. This is my first trip to the Windy City, and it's every bit as awesome as I've been told. Throughout the week, I'll try to offer some flavor of the city, Wrigley Field and everything else Chicago has to offer.

For now, though, I want to discuss the Jamie Moyer trade.

I know Moyer was only 6-12 for the Mariners. And I know he's 43 years old. But he arrives with a 4.39 ERA that's already the lowest among Phillies starters (Brett Myers and Cole Hamels have a 4.40). Let's not forget that he also has been pitching in the American League. My counterpart from another newspaper guessed last night that a 4.39 ERA in the AL may be in the 3.90 range in the NL. I think the Phillies would sign up for that. He's also received the lowest run support in the AL, and the Phillies have posted double-digit run totals in four of their last seven games.

Add the fact that they didn't give up any top-tier prospects or anyone who would've helped them in the next few years, and I don't see how this could possibly be viewed as a bad trade, even if Moyer stinks in Philly. It's a low-risk (some would say, no-risk), high-reward move by GM Pat Gillick, with the reward being the Phillies first playoff berth since 1993.

But enough of my opinion. What do you think?

Throwing in the towel

Yes, that's Donald Trump on the mound and if you're the Red Sox, you're on the phone to his agent.

If any team will prove the addage that pitching wins championship it's this edition of the Bosox.

This is a team with a legitimate MVP candidate at DH AND Manny Ramirez. This is a team that could set a record for highest season-long fielding percentage. This is a team that had never allowed 12 runs or more in three consecutive games ... until Saturday.

And this is a team that REFUSES to add pitching help. Eric Hinske – good bat but can he throw five innings? Doubt it.

I'm not looking for Roger Clemens. I just want an arm with a pulse that has not been in the Boston clubhouse for the last two weeks. Someone who hasn't been infected by the compulsion to throw the ball either nowhere near the strikezone or right down the middle. Jermaine Van Buren? I'd rather have Martin Van Buren (lively arm, good splitter).

I agreed with Theo Epstein's decision not to make a deal at the deadline. Obviously he had lost Pat Gillick's number.

But Theo baby, pick up the phone. Call the Delaware Semi-Pro League if you have to.

If you think this can't get any uglier, just remember the Yankees are at Fenway through Monday.

Aug. 16 -- DALLAS VS. CHARLIE

As you may have read in today's News Journal, Charlie Manuel approached Dallas Green on the field after batting practice Tuesday and gave him a red-faced, finger-waving, tongue-lashing. I was standing a few feet away and found the whole incident, well, rather amusing. So did several high-ranking members of the Phillies organization, who heard about it afterward.

Bottom line is this: Green, a Newport native and manager of the only Phillies team to win a World Series, is nothing if not outspoken. And, a few weeks ago, Green went on a local radio station and second-guessed Manuel for some of the moves he's made. Manuel, who can be sensitive about such things (wouldn't you be?), had been waiting to see Green and confront him. He got his chance Tuesday.

So, here's my question: If we set up a steel cage at Citizens Bank Park, who would win in a fight: Dallas or Chuck? To help make your decision, here's a tale of the tape for what definitely would be a heavyweight bout.

Dallas / Charlie
72 years old / 62 years old
6-foot-5 / 6-foot-4
throws left / throws right

Aug. 14 -- IN-GAME: BACK-TO-BACK JACKS

Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino belted back-to-back homers in the fifth inning tonight against Mets reliever Darren Oliver. In case it doesn't make the cut for your morning paper (there's a lot happening in this 13-0 game), here are a few homer notes.

* Rollins has homered four times in his last four games, giving him 18 for the season. That's a career-high and a franchise record for Phillies shortstops. Asked about his power surge before the game, J-Roll said, "That's not a surprise to me, maybe everyone else. I know what I can do. It's just a matter of putting good swings on the ball." While he was talking, Aaron Rowand was cautioning him against jinxing himself. "We need him to keep hitting those home runs," Rowand said.

* The Phillies have hit back-to-back homers three times the season. The last time? June 17 against Tampa Bay when Sal Fasano and Abraham Nunez went deep back-to-back. Aren't they, like, the last two players you would've guessed?

***

One other note: In the first inning, Carlos Delgado lost his bat twice on swings, and both times, the bat went flying toward the mound and Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels. It was unintentional, of course, and Hamels didn't retaliate. But it reminded me of the 2000 World Series when Roger Clemens and Mike Piazza had their flare-up. Luckily, that didn't happen here.

Aug. 14 -- IN-GAME: PEDRO INJURED

OK, so Pedro Martinez didn't have the best first inning of his life tonight, giving up six runs on four hits to the Phillies. He also walked David Dellucci and hit two straight batters, Aaron Rowand (on an 0-2 pitch) and Chris Coste.

But, for Mets fans, here's the REALLY bad news.

Pedro had to leave the game after the first inning with a strained right calf. He said he felt the problem while he was warming up in the bullpen before the game. The Mets are usually careful with Pedro, and obviously, with a 14-game lead in the NL East, they'll be taking no chances.

Still, after she heard about the injury, a friend of mine who loves the Mets said sarcastically, "That's good news for the playoffs."

***

Also, pitching prospect Carlos Carrasco and reliever Andrew Barb combined for a no-hitter Sunday for Class A Lakewood.

More later.

NL EAST POLL

So far, got lots of good responses to the reader poll posted below about the best young player in the NL East. Interestingly, there's a lot of debate about the best third baseman -- David Wright, Miguel Cabrera or Ryan Zimmerman?

My vote is for Wright, and here's why. Wright is better defensively than Cabrera, better offensively than Zimmerman, and at age 23, undaunted by the pressures of New York. Within the next few years, I expect that he'll be named captain of the Mets, their answer to Derek Jeter.

That said, Cabrera and Zimmerman are awesome. Can you imagine how ridiculously good the Phillies' infield would be if they had any of them? Here are some stats for all three, plus Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Jose Reyes to help you weigh in.

I'll ask the question again: Who's the best young player in the NL East? Keep those responses coming!

a) Ryan Howard (26 years old): .293 / 39 HR / 102 RBI / .622 SLG
b) Chase Utley (27): .328 / 21 HR / 74 RBI / 33 2B / 95 R
c) Jose Reyes (23): .296 / 11 HR / 54 RBI / 14 3B / 94 R / 48 SB
d) David Wright (23): .314 / 22 HR / 86 RBI / 29 2B / .552 SLG / 14 SB
e) Miguel Cabrera (23): .337 / 17 HR / 76 RBI / 36 2B / .555 SLG
f) Ryan Zimmerman (21): .290 / 15 HR / 75 RBI / 35 2B / .483 SLG

***

Got home at 2:30 a.m. Thursday after my flight from Atlanta was delayed by about an hour because of bad weather. When I woke up this morning, a little more bleary-eyed than usual, I realized how lucky I was.

A friend who covers the Phillies for another paper in the area flew home today and was stranded in the line at airport security in Atlanta for about 90 minutes while people emptied their bags of any liquids, including shaving cream, mouthwash and other items you'd never hesitate to shove into any bag you'd carry on to a plane.

All because of another terrorist threat.

Thing is, I've never feared flying. Used to do it all the time in college whenever I'd come home for the holidays. I'm not one of those people who sweats when it's time to board the plane, and I guess that's a good thing considering how often my job requires me to do it.

But some days, you can't help feeling a little afraid.

Aug. 8: PREGAME -- UTLEY HITS SI

It's an all-Philly cover of Sports Illustrated this week, with Chase Utley appearing below DSU's Jamaal Jackson and Hank Fraley of the Eagles.



Also, a few lineup notes for tonight: Struggling CF Aaron Rowand has been dropped to seventh, and LF Pat Burrell is getting a night off. Shane Victorino is in right field, and David Dellucci is in left.

Finally, don't forget to weigh in on the reader's poll below.

More later.

READER POLL: WHO'S BETTER?

Last weekend's trip to New York prompted me to consider this question, and I'm interested to hear your opinions.

Who is the best young player in the NL East?

a) Chase Utley
b) David Wright
c) Ryan Howard
d) Jose Reyes
e) Other

Cast your vote by commenting on this blog, or else, if you prefer, drop me an e-mail at slauber@delawareonline.com. When replying, please state a reason for your answer.

Let the debate begin.

Aug. 7 -- FRANKLIN TRADED

Got into Atlanta a little while ago, and there's some news on Ryan Franklin, who has been traded to the Cincinnati Reds. Here are the details, with more coming in tomorrow's News Journal.

***

On the final day before they would've had to release him, the Phillies traded right-hander Ryan Franklin and cash to the Cincinnati Reds for a player to be named.

Franklin, 33, had been designated for assignment July 30 after going 1-5 with a 4.58 ERA in 46 relief appearances for the Phillies. He was signed as a free agent in January to a one-year, $2.6 million contract.

Phillies GM Pat Gillick said the Phillies will choose over the next few weeks between three Reds' minor leaguers.

The Phillies have traded two relievers to the Reds in a span of seven days. Left-hander Rheal Cormier was dealt to Cincinnati for minor league pitcher Justin Germano on July 31.

Entering tonight's game at Atlanta, the Phillies trail the Reds by 3-1/2 games in the NL wild-card race. The teams play each other this weekend at Citizens Bank Park.

More later.

Aug. 4: PREGAME -- NY LOVES CORY

Flew into NY today from St. Louis and stopped at a newsstand at LaGuardia Airport, where I saw this on the back page of the NY Post.

But here's the best part: The subhead on the Yankees game story read, "Yanks, Cory (ice) cream the Blue Jays."

Clearly, the Big Apple loves Cory Lidle ... so far, at least.

Aug. 4: BREAKING NEWS -- NEW COURT DATE FOR MYERS

Here's the latest on the Brett Myers pre-trial hearing today in Boston Municipal Court, according to Boston.com:

It lasted all of seven minutes. As expected, Myers wasn't present (he wasn't required to be there). Prosecutors met with Myers' lawyer and scheduled a court date for Sept. 5.

Myers, 25, was arrested June 23 on charges of domestic assault and battery. He allegedly hit his wife, Kim, on a Boston street corner.

Check tomorrow's News Journal for more.

Aug. 3: PREGAME -- MADSON TO THE 'PEN

A few notes before tonight's first pitch.

* It's official: Ryan Madson has been moved to the Phillies' bullpen. That leaves Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, Randy Wolf, Jon Lieber and Scott Mathieson in the rotation. Manager Charlie Manuel said he hasn't ruled out Madson (9-7, 6.02 ERA) starting ever again, but for now, he'll pitch in relief. Interestingly, Madson's ERA as a starter is 6.28. As a reliever, it's 3.97.

* Jimmy Rollins did a live appearance on ESPN's The Hot List earlier today to talk about Chase Utley's 34-game hitting streak. While most of the Phillies watched it on the clubhouse TV, Utley sat at a table underneath the TV and, with tunnel-vision, reviewed videotape of his recent at-bats. Apparently, not only is Utley not talking about the streak, he's not listening to anyone else talk about it either.

* Cardinals send Jason Marquis to the mound tonight. Marquis, you'll recall, was the pitcher who stopped Rollins' streak at 38 games earlier this season.

More later.

Aug. 2: POSTGAME -- LIEBERTHAL SPEAKS

Had a pretty revealing conversation today with Mike Lieberthal, the longest-tenured Phillie and a soon-to-be free agent. Here's a partial transcription. The full story will be in Thursday's News Journal, but I'm curious to know what you think: Do you want to see Lieberthal back with the Phillies next season.

Q: Are you thinking about next season?
A: From what I've heard, [the Phils] are not going to pick me up next year. I have no chance of coming back. So they’re in a situation where they’ve got to find out what Chris [Coste] can do, and he’s been hitting.

Q: Did the Phillies tell you that?
A: No, but everybody is telling me – the media, TV [announcers], everybody.

Q: Would you want to come back?
A: I’m hoping to come back. Even if I don’t get a starting job, which I probably won’t, I’ll be a backup. And if it was [in Philadelphia,] it would be fine. I have a house here. I’m comfortable here.

Q: Money doesn’t matter?
A: I’ve already made enough money. I’m just playing to win and to play in a place you’re happy. I want to play as long as I can, as long as my body lets me.

Q: After last weekend's trades of David Bell, Bobby Abreu, Cory Lidle and Rheal Cormier, what are your feelings on the organization seemingly going in a different direction?
A: [Ryan] Howard and [Chase] Utley really can carry us to the playoffs. I still think we have a chance because the guys that we have in the core of the lineup can carry a team. If our pitching does well, and it possibly could, then we still have a chance.

Q: Bell is in a similar situation to you in the sense that he's a soon-to-be free agent. After seeing him get traded last week, did you think you might be next?
A: Not really, because my situation, coming back from an injury and not really playing very much, I really didn’t see it happening. I assumed I’d be here throughout the year. But this month, they could work out a trade [through waivers] or release me. Anything could happen.

Q: Are you envious of Abreu, Lidle and Sal Fasano, who, within the past two weeks, have all gone to the Yankees in trades and have a chance to make the playoffs?
A: I’m very happy for them. They wanted to go to a situation where they can win. I’d rather stay here. I want to stay here until the end. I want to stay in Philly. It’s been fun.

Q: So, you would come back for less money? (Lieberthal is making $7.5 million this year)
A: Exactly. Depending on how the next two months go, there might be a starting job that opens up. You never know. Right now, I’d say probably not. But things can change.

Q: Some players say they can’t wait to leave Philadelphia, due to media, boos, front office. What makes you so willing to stay?
A: It depends on your personality. You can’t let outside things affect you. I look at all the fans who do like me and supported me. And I really don’t pay attention to the media or read newspapers. I like playing in Philly, even with all the crazy boos. Whatever. I’ve been in Philly for so long. I got booed in Philly in ’94. Yhere was a ball going into the dugout and it hit the edge and came back in, and I kind of stopped and I got booed. Nothing’s changed, except there are more people in the stands. It was my second big-league game. If I could handle it then, I can handle it now.

Q: How are your knees (he's had six operations)?
A: I can still catch every day. But running gets to me a little bit more. It kind of comes and goes. I have bad weeks and good weeks.

Q: Would you consider retirement, given your health problems?
A: That’ll probably be a decision for the offseason, when I get a few more games under my belt. As long as I feel I can keep playing physically, I want to play.

Aug. 2: IN-GAME -- SIGN OF THE TIMES

As you might recall, when former Phillies third baseman Scott Rolen was shipped to the Cardinals a few days before the trade deadline in 2002, he said he felt like he was going to heaven.

Turns out, St. Louis appreciates Rolen, too.

A sign hanging on a building across Poplar Street from the new Busch Stadium reads, "Hey Philadelphia fans, thanks for Scott."

Aug. 2: PREGAME -- UTLEY NAMED PLAYER OF MONTH

Another scorcher here in St. Louis. Game-time temperature yesterday was 98 degrees. My guess is it's about the same today, and the game starts in about 75 minutes. But, from what I understand, it's about 100 degrees back home, so I'll stop complaining.

Other than the temperature, here's what up with the Phillies:

* Chase Utley was named today as NL Player of the Month. Utley, of course, takes a 33-game hitting streak into tonight's game. It's the seventh-longest streak since Joe DiMaggio's 56-gamer in 1941. In July, he hit safely in all 25 games he played, leading the NL with 45 hits and 26 runs scored. He also batted .425 (45-for-106) with 13 doubles, two triples, six home runs and 24 RBIs.

* Phils manager Charlie Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee still haven't narrowed their rotation from six pitchers to five. Although, with Ryan Madson available in the bullpen for a second straight night, it's probably a safe bet that he'll move back there permanently, leaving Jon Lieber, Brett Myers, Randy Wolf, Cole Hamels and Scott Mathieson in the rotation.

* Mike Lieberthal said he was slated to start last night but has been bothered again by his right knee. He probably will need to have his knee drained when the team gets to New York on Friday.

I'll have more on Lieberthal and the Phillies in tomorrow's News Journal and at www.delawareonline.com.

More later.

Aug. 1: PREGAME -- Could it be any hotter?

Hello from St. Louis, where it's about 100 degrees. I'm sitting in the press box at the new Busch Stadium and staring at the Gateway Arch, which dominates a nice view. Over the next few days, I'll try to highlight some of the features of this new stadium.

For now, though, there's plenty to discuss with the Phillies. So much for things calming down after the trade deadline. If you haven't already heard (or read in today's News Journal), Cory Lidle, dealt to the Yankees on Sunday, made several disparaging remarks yesterday during a conference call with New York reporters. Word of his comments reached the Phillies while they were taking a charter flight to St. Louis, and last night, Phillies reliever Arthur Rhodes shot back.

Rhodes met the media here today. Here are a few highlights:

"It wasn't very nice to this team. It wasn't very nice to this organization. You look at it, he only pitched two good games for us, and it was the last two games he pitched. From the beginning of the season until then, he wasn't pitching that good."

"I played cards with him for a couple trips. But me and him got into it in New York. I went into the clubhouse, and he was in there playing on the Internet during the game. After that, I didn't speak to him anymore. That was it."

Stay tuned for more in tomorrow's News Journal, including colleague Martin Frank's coverage of Bobby Abreu's debut for the Yankees.

July 30: BREAKING NEWS -- FRANKLIN RELEASED

Some news before today's doubleheader started ...

The Phils designated reliever Ryan Franklin for assignment and activated left-hander Randy Wolf, who is starting Game 1 of the doubleheader. The Phillies have until Aug. 9 to trade or release Franklin.

Franklin, 33, was 1-5 with a 4.58 ERA in 46 appearances. He signed a one-year, $2.6 million contract in January with the idea that he’d be in the Phils’ starting rotation, but he was moved to the bullpen late in spring training in favor of Gavin Floyd.

Floyd posted a 7.29 ERA in 11 starts and was sent to the minors. Franklin never grew comfortable with the relief role, allowing 10 homers in 53 innings.

“When I first signed here, they signed me to be a starter, and I did nothing in spring training to make them think I couldn’t start,” said Franklin, who posted a 3.38 spring-training ERA. “Then, they put me in the bullpen. I thought that was a mistake on their part, but I didn’t gripe or nothing.”

After right-hander Jon Lieber tore his groin May 29, Franklin said he approached manager Charlie Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee at least twice to volunteer his services in the rotation.

Both times, Franklin was told he was more valuable in the bullpen because of his ability to bounce back and pitch multiple days in a row.

The Phillies called up left-hander Eude Brito and right-hander Scott Mathieson from the minors. They also claimed Kansas City Royals castoff Adam Bernero and gave him a spot start June 30 at Toronto.

Neither Brito nor Bernero pitched well, and their stays with the Phillies were short-lived. The Phillies starting rotation had a National League-worst 5.51 ERA.

“The whole time, I see them bring up these young guys who haven’t proven themselves,” Franklin said. “It just keeps on piling on. Sooner or later, it gets to you.

“I think everybody on the whole coaching staff knew I wanted to start. It really wore on me mentally. I tried to put it out of my mind and get through it.”

Manuel said he offered Franklin a chance to start July 2 at Toronto, but Franklin preferred to remain in the bullpen rather than making a spot start.

“He said he didn’t want it to be a one-game thing,” Manuel said. “I thought I was honest and open with him the whole time. I felt he could throw a couple innings out of the bullpen. I felt that would help the team and help his career.”

July 30: PREGAME -- BOBBY TO THE BRONX?

Indications are that the Phillies and Yankees are close to completing a deal that would send Bobby Abreu and either Cory Lidle or Jon Lieber to New York for a bunch of prospects. None of those prospects, however, would be pitcher Philip Hughes or outfielder Jose Tabata, the Yankees' top blue-chippers.

If it doesn't seem like the Phillies are getting enough for Abreu, there's a reason for that. The Yankees would have to pay the remaining money on Abreu's contract ($15 million next season and likely a $16 million team option for 2008). Since the Phils would be getting so much salary relief, they won't get as great a return in players.

Of course, the possible deal could fall apart before 4 p.m. tomorrow. One thing to remember about the trade deadline is it's tremendously unpredictable. Also, there are a lot of rumors out there, especially on the Internet, many of which simply aren't true.

Stay tuned to www.delawareonline.com and to this blog throughout today and tomorrow for breaking news on any deals.

More later.

July 24: POSTGAME -- SLIPPING AWAY

Here's something that struck me about Charlie Manuel's remarks after Monday night's loss to the Braves: He still thinks the Phillies can win the NL wild card.

Even though they're 6-1/2 games behind the Cincinnati Reds.

Even though they're in 10th place -- 10th place! -- in the wild-card standings.

Even though they'd need to go 44-22 (.667) just to equal last season's 88-win total, which, if memory serves, wasn't enough to make the playoffs.

But Charlie thinks the Phillies are still in it.

"When we lose, the deeper we get, the harder it will be for us to catch up," he said. "Once you get to a certain level, you have to be realistic about this.

"These two series coming up [at home against Arizona and Florida] are really big. It's time for us to go if we're going to go. Now is the time."

I suppose Manuel has to say those things. Until further notice, which won't come until after the season, he's still the Phillies manager, and his job is to lead them to as many wins as possible.

I just wonder if he really believes what he's saying.

July 24: PREGAME -- Rowand, Burrell out

Two surprises in the Phillies' starting lineup tonight against the Braves.

* Aaron Rowand isn't in center field.

* Pat Burrell isn't in left field.

Phils manager Charlie Manuel, citing how tough Braves starter Tim Hudson can be on right-handed hitters, decided to rest Rowand and Burrell in favor of switch-hitting Shane Victorino in center field and lefty-hitting David Dellucci in left. Manuel also said Rowand (shoulder, hand) and Burrell (foot) are nursing nagging injuries and may benefit from the night off.

That said, here's tonight's lineup:
SS Jimmy Rollins (.267, 11 homers, 34 RBI)
CF Shane Victorino (.269, 4, 17)
2B Chase Utley (.317, 16, 58)
RF Bobby Abreu (.285, 8, 64)
1B Ryan Howard (.286, 31, 78)
LF David Dellucci (.316, 6, 19)
3B David Bell (.286, 5, 30)
C Mike Lieberthal (.225, 0, 11)
LHP Cole Hamels (2-4, 5.36 ERA)

Also, Andruw and Chipper Jones aren't in the Braves lineup for a second straight game.

All for now. More later.

A DIFFERENT BRETT MYERS?

Last month, at least one eyewitness accused Brett Myers of hitting his wife in the face, pulling her hair and leaving her sobbing on a street corner in Boston.

Now, Myers was in the Phillies' clubhouse, quoting a romance movie.

Strange night at Citizens Bank Park.

Myers made his long-awaited return to the mound in Philadelphia, and wouldn't you know it, received mostly cheers from an announced crowd of 31,664. Sure, there were some scattered boos, but they were drowned out by applause, and not just when Myers struck out a batter. When his name was announced in the starting lineup, even when he stepped to the plate in the second inning, fans greeted him warmly.

Then, after a 5-1 loss to the Braves in which he pitched brilliantly for eight innings, Myers thanked those fans. But, as he stood before reporters, he hinted that he was surprised by the reception.

"It's like that movie, 'For Love of the Game,'" Myers said, referring to the sappy flick in which Kevin Costner throws a perfect game at Yankee Stadium while flashing back to an on-again, off-again romance. "'Clear the mechanism' is what he always says. It may be corny, but as a pitcher, that's what you have to do."

Clear the mechanism. In other words, ignore everything around you and focus on the catcher's mitt. Myers thought for sure he'd need to block out the insults fans surely would sling his way Sunday night.

So much for that.

My first impression of Myers was that he's immature. He could be loud, brash, even obnoxious, in the clubhouse, busting on teammates, reporters, anyone who stopped by his locker.

Now, he's quoting romance movies.

So, maybe Myers is growing up. Maybe he's changing. Maybe he's not such a bad guy, after all.

Or maybe he just had one good night.

Time will tell.

***

Turned out, Myers' biggest problem was not dropping down a bunt in the seventh inning that would've moved Mike Lieberthal to second base with one out in a game tied at 1-1. Instead, he swung away, bouncing into a rally-killing double play. Jimmy Rollins followed with a single that might've scored Lieberthal from second.

"I missed the [bunt] sign," Myers said. "It was all me. I thought I saw something that wasn't there. I screwed up."

July 23: IN-GAME -- Gillick speaks

Just wanted to give everyone an update after GM Pat Gillick addressed the media. The highlights are as follows:

-- Charlie Manuel's job is safe, at least through the end of this season. Beyond that, Gillick made no promises. Manuel's three-year, $2.4 million contract runs through the end of the 2007 season.

“For everyone, from myself through Charlie through the coaching staff, there’s a continual evaluation,” Gillick said. “But I know, right now, that Charlie’s going to be with us through the conclusion of the ’06 season.”

-- The Phillies, at the moment, are both buyers and sellers at the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline. But Gillick said July 31 is a "fairly important" date, considering the free-agent market is expected to be razor thin.

“We’re both at the moment,” Gillick said. “Ideally, what you want to do is pick up a piece that will help you short- and long-term.”

-- If the Phillies require a roster makeover, as former manager Larry Bowa and others have suggested, Gillick said an off-season in which 11 players will be free agents might do the trick. In particular, longtime Phillies catcher Mike Lieberthal and third baseman David Bell aren't expected to have their contracts extended.

"I think free agency in some ways will take care of that," he said of breaking up the Phillies' core.

Check tomorrow's paper for more.

July 23: PREGAME -- Still Coste-ing

Chris Coste can now say it: He's made it.

The decision Saturday to designate Sal Fasano for assignment means that, for the forseaable future, Coste will be the Phillies' backup catcher. It's a deserving status.

By now, everyone knows the story. Coste, a 33-year-old rookie, began his pro career 11 years ago in the independent Prairie League. He batted .463 in spring training and nearly made the team, only to suffer the disappointment of being the final cut.

When he finally got called up, in late May, he went 0-for-13. Since then, he's 18-for-41 (.439) with two home runs and 12 RBIs. His 10 RBIs in July are as many as cleanup hitter Pat Burrell, which is both praise for the eighth-place-hitting Coste and a condemnation of Burrell.

“It’s hard to even remember that,” Coste said of the 0-for-13 slump. “I mean, obviously I remember it because it makes this feel even better. It was like one hit fell in, then a couple more fell in, and before you know it, that 0-for-13 was history.”

How does all of this compare to spring training?

“In spring training, you can make the argument that it’s just spring training,” Coste said. “It didn’t matter how well I did. I feel just as good as I did then, and these games count.”

***

Pat Gillick is going to address the Phillies writers in about 5 minutes. I'll have more on that after it happens, so stay tuned.

July 21: POSTGAME -- Bell tolls

David Bell's shortcomings are obvious.

Now in his 11th major league season, he doesn't hit for much power anymore. Fact is, his five home runs rank him 31st among major-league third basemen and his 30 RBIs rank 30th. Bell is in the last year of his contract, and barring an unexpected turn of events, the Phillies will have a new third baseman in 2007.

But there are times, like tonight, when Bell looks more like the dependable player who helped the San Francisco Giants to the World Series in 2002.

Facing Braves starter John Smoltz, against whom he was 1-for-24 entering the game, Bell went 4-for-4 (all singles). His fourth-inning single preceded Chris Coste's homer, and his eighth-inning single came before David Dellucci's pinch-hit single that broke a 3-3 tie.

I didn't get to write much about Bell tonight, but his performance shouldn't go unnoticed. Nor should his .382 batting average in July or his .483 average (14-for-29) since the All-Star break.

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Bell is getting more opposite-field hits and more base hits up the middle. If he can hit to all fields, Bell can be a solid offensive player, and very quietly, he has hiked his average to .283.

More on Bell, and the rest of the Phillies, tomorrow.

PROBLEMS? WHAT PROBLEMS?

So much for his participation in the All-Star home-run derby messing up Ryan Howard's swing. In four games since the All-Star break, Howard has three home runs, giving him 31 for the season and keeping him on pace to challenge Mike Schmidt's single-season franchise record of 48, set in 1980.

Bobby Abreu is another story. He hit only six homers in the second half of last season after winning the derby, and this season, he has only eight home runs. It's convenient to say that the derby altered Abreu's swing. But, I submit that Abreu never was a true home-run hitter. He never hit more than 31 in a season, and in 1999, 2002 and 2003, he hit only 20.

Here's a look at the top home run seasons in Phillies history:

48 -- Mike Schmidt, 1980
47 -- Jim Thome, 2003
45 -- Schmidt, 1979
43 -- Chuck Klein, 1929
42 -- Thome, 2004
41 -- Cy Williams, 1923
40 -- Klein, 1930
40 -- Dick Allen, 1966
40 -- Schmidt, 1983

HE'S BACK

Brett Myers met the media today in San Francisco. He spoke for 45 seconds and didn't take questions. According to Myers, his lawyer won't allow him to discuss the events that led to his arrest June 23 in Boston on charges that he hit his wife.

Here are the highlights:

"I've been humbled greatly by this problem and I deeply regret any incident that happened. Over the last several weeks I learned a lot about myself and I have a lot more to learn.

"I want to apologize to my wife, my family, my teammates, the entire Phillies organization and especially the fans. I would like to thank you for respecting our privacy. We've both decided it is time for me to rejoin the team.

"Through the EAP program I have been guided to all the right resources. Kim and I are committed to continue with these resources, and will work through any problems."

Your thoughts?

Myers update

At this point, all indications are that troubled Phillies pitcher Brett Myers will start Sunday in San Francisco.

So, what do you think?

Should the Phillies allow Myers, who was arrested June 23 on charges that he hit his wife and left her crying on a street corner in Boston, to resume pitching?

READER POLL: Highlight of the season?

As the CBP grounds crew tries to dry the field after a deluge stopped play in the second inning, I wanted to pose this question to Phillies Nation ...

With the Phils having just passed the 81-game mark, what's the highlight of the season so far?
a) Barry Bonds hitting his 713th home run at CBP on May 7 against Jon Lieber.
b) Aaron Rowand's jaw-breaking catch in center field May 11 against the Mets.
c) Cole Hamels' major-league debut May 12 at Cincinnati.
d) Ryan Howard's upper-deck home run, the first in CBP history, and his 7-RBI game June 20 against the Yankees.
e) Other

How about the lowlight?
a) A 13-5 rout by the Cardinals on Opening Day.
b) Jon Lieber injuring his groin while fielding a ball May 29 and missing six weeks.
c) The Phillies getting swept at home by the NY Mets from June 13-15
d) Brett Myers getting arrested and charged with hitting his wife June 23 in Boston.
e) Other

July 4: PREGAME -- Lieber's back

Three newsworthy items today ...

a) As expected, right-hander Jon Lieber is scheduled to start Friday night for the Phillies against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park.

b) The Phils have recalled catcher Carlos Ruiz from Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and placed catcher Sal Fasano (left knee) on the disabled list.

c) After one awful start last Friday in Toronto, right-hander Adam Bernero was designated for assignment. The Phillies recalled Class AAA outfielder Chris Roberson, who will fill in while banged-up outfielder David Dellucci nurses a sprained right shoulder.

And, back by popular demand, here's today's lineup.
SS Jimmy Rollins (.263, 9 HR, 31 RBI)
2B Chase Utley (.300, 16, 49)
RF Bobby Abreu (.290, 8, 57)
1B Ryan Howard (.284, 28, 69)
LF Pat Burrell (.253, 19, 55)
CF Aaron Rowand (.267, 8, 25)
3B David Bell (.257, 4, 25)
C Carlos Ruiz (.143, 0, 1)
LHP Cole Hamels (1-4, 5.50)

Oh, and Happy Fourth of July.

More later.

July 2: PREGAME -- It is what it is

The striking thing about the Phillies these days isn't that they've dropped 17 of 21 games. And it isn't that they've lost seven straight series, including this weekend's here in Toronto.

It's that manager Charlie Manuel seems resigned to his team's plight: with so much young pitching and an offense that's too lefty-dominant and incapable of producing runs without hitting homers, Manuel makes veiled references every day that the Phillies are what they are.

Not good.

Check out Manuel's remarks from Saturday, when he was asked if he plans to hold a team meeting: "If you take a look at our team and how we lose, we've got young pitchers, and we've got some players on a down slide. Right now, the way we've been playing, I don't want to go in there and really pile on the young players. Meetings are a timing thing. Yeah, I've been thinking about having one. I've had them this year. But I was a player for 20 years, and I know everything about meetings and all that crap. Believe me, if that would help, I'd do it every night. I don't see any sense in that."

Then, in perhaps his most revealing comment, Manuel talked about how the Phillies need to get better fast if they hope to make the playoffs.

"Have we got the pieces?," he asked, rhetorically. "I don't know."

Phillies lookalikes

These photos don't exactly do it justice, but newly acquired reliever Fabio Castro (right) is the spitting image of infielder Abraham Nunez (left).




Even a few of the Phillies have remarked on the resemblance.

"It's [Nunez's] stunt double," Ryan Howard said.

Added Jimmy Rollins, "I know everyone has a twin in the world, but not in the same clubhouse."

Asked for his opinion on the new pitcher, Nunez said, "He's a good-looking guy."

On another subject, Pat Burrell is back in the lineup today, after not starting four of the last five games. Here's the Phillies' lineup against Blue Jays RHP Ty Taubenheim (1-4, 4.73).

SS Jimmy Rollins
2B Chase Utley
RF Bobby Abreu
1B Ryan Howard
DH Pat Burrell
LF David Dellucci
CF Aaron Rowand
3B David Bell
C Chris Coste

Also, All-Star rosters are announced tomorrow. The bet here is the Phillies will be represented by Utley (leading the fan voting), Howard (leads the majors with 27 homers) and closer Tom Gordon (21 of 22 in save chances).

More later.

SNEAK PREVIEW: Phils admit they're wrong

Here's a taste of the Phillies notebook that will be in Saturday's News Journal. If you ask me, it's some interesting stuff.

But I'm looking for more feedback. Let me know what you think of how the Phils have handled this matter.

By SCOTT LAUBER
The News Journal
TORONTO – After a week of being vilified, criticized and accused of blatant insensitivity to the seriousness of domestic violence, Phillies president David Montgomery and general manager Pat Gillick offered this admission.
They were wrong.
Montgomery, reached by telephone Friday, said the Phillies never should’ve allowed troubled right-hander Brett Myers to start in Fenway Park last Saturday, 36 hours after being arrested and charged with hitting his wife, Kim, on a Boston street corner.
“It was wrong because we sent an unintended message that we don’t understand the problem of domestic abuse,” he said.
Gillick, who met the Phillies here for a three-game inter-league series against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre, said the organization had wide-ranging discussions last Friday about whether to let Myers pitch.
Ultimately, Gillick told reporters that Myers was the slumping Phillies’ “best pitcher” and “it was in our best interests of the club” that he pitch.
Does he regret those words?
“Looking back, it was possibly the wrong decision to make,” Gillick said before Friday’s game. “That’s hindsight. It definitely wasn’t a spur of the moment decision.”

June 28: PREGAME -- Injury updates

A few minutes before today's first pitch at Camden Yards, here's an update on some injured Phillies, from assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr.

Jon Lieber, P (groin tear): After allowing four runs in five innings Tuesday night for Class A Clearwater, he will pitch Sunday either for Clearwater for Class AA Reading. "He threw OK," Amaro said. "He wasn't super sharp. But he's on track."

Randy Wolf, P (elbow, hand): A non-displaced fracture of his fifth metacarpals bone in his left hand prevented him from pitching Tuesday night for low-Class A Lakewood. Amaro said his rehab from Tommy John elbow surgery will be pushed back by about 10 days, but the Phillies are still hoping he can pitch for them by late July.

Mike Lieberthal, C (strained hip): He still has discomfort when he runs the bases, and Amaro said he probably won't be ready to play for the Phillies until after the All-Star break either in San Francisco or San Diego.

Here's today's lineup, which includes Pat Burrell. Manager Charlie Manuel thought about giving the badly slumping Burrell a few days off, but wanted his right-handed power in the lineup against O's lefty Erik Bedard.

SS Jimmy Rollins
2B Chase Utley
RF Bobby Abreu
DH Pat Burrell
1B Ryan Howard
CF Aaron Rowand
LF Shane Victorino
3B David Bell
C Sal Fasano

More later.

BREAKING NEWS: Myers sent home

Five days too late, the Phillies have finally done the right thing.

Today in Baltimore, the Phillies and Brett Myers released statements that Myers has requested and received time off to begin reconciling his marital and legal problems stemming from his arrest last Friday night for allegedly hitting his wife on a Boston street corner.

My only question: why did this take five days? Instead of making insensitive remarks like, "I'm only sorry this got public," Myers should've asked for the time off -- or been told to go away -- after the incident occurred. GM Pat Gillick should've known better than to stand in front of reporters and say Myers would pitch Saturday because "he's our best pitcher" and "it's in the best interest of the team."

Shame on the Phillies for how they bungled this matter.

My colleague, Geoff Mosher, is filling in for me tonight and will have complete coverage in tomorrow's News Journal and at www.delawareonline.com. For now, though, here are transcipts of both statements.

Brett Myers Statement
On the day of my arrest, I consulted with my attorney by phone, who advised me to make no comments about this matter. While I followed his advice at the time, I have felt the need to make some comments about this situation and I do so now.

First, while I dispute that the facts are as alleged, I recognize that my behavior was inappropriate and for that I apologize.

Second, I recognize that the incident created an embarrassing situation for many people, including my wife and family, my teammates, the Phillies organization, and fans, and I am very sorry for that.

Third, my wife and children are very important to me and I am willing to do whatever is necessary to address any problems that might harm our marriage. I have asked the Phillies for some time off so that I can concentrate on this matter and make plans for whatever assistance is appropriate.

At this time, I do not intend to make any further public comments about this matter.

Craig Landis, Agent for Brett Myers
Landis Baseball Group

Phillies Statement on Brett Myers
            The Phillies have agreed to Brett Myers’ request for time off to concentrate on personal matters associated with his arrest in Boston last week.  He is expected to be off for two and one-half weeks, through the All Star Break, until July 14.  The Phillies have made available appropriate, professional, employee assistance resources to help Brett and Kim Myers in these circumstances.

            After last Friday, the Phillies did not comment further on the events surrounding the arrest of Brett Myers out of respect for the Myers’ privacy and because there is a criminal prosecution pending.  Likewise, the Phillies did not summarily suspend Brett Myers immediately upon his arrest, prior to any judicial determination of guilt or complete evaluation of the entire matter.  Such a decision, unfortunately, has been portrayed or interpreted as the Phillies indifference to problems of spousal abuse.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  We abhor such violence and recognize that it is a very serious problem affecting a substantial number of victims, particularly women, across the country.
           
If we have been guilty of delay in expressing these sentiments, we are sorry.  We have been engaged in a difficult balancing of concerns for the rights of our employee, the presumption of innocence, the rights of his spouse, and the legitimate public concern about allegations of spousal abuse by a Phillies ballplayer.  We believe that the present status, including a public apology by Brett Myers, time off from baseball, professional assistance for Brett and Kim Myers, and this statement achieves the appropriate balance for now.

                                                David Montgomery
                                                President
                                                The Phillies

It gets worse

This morning, Comcast reported that a Phillies employee may have witnessed Brett Myers hit his wife on a Boston street last Friday. If true, that would make the Phillies' handling of this situation even more reprehensible. You mean to tell me that if I go out with a friend from work and get charged with asssaulting someone else in front of that coworker, my boss isn't going to want to listen to my coworker's account. And if the coworker's account is as troubling as that of Courtney Knight, you think my boss would let come within 10 feet of the office.
Knight told The Boston Globe she witnessed the alleged attack. "It was disgusting," Knight said. "He was dragging her by the hair and slapping her across the face. She was yelling, 'I'm not going to let you do this to me anymore.' "
Knight said the 6-foot-4 ballplayer dwarfs his wife, who the police report said was 5 foot 4 and 120 pounds.
"She's a real small girl," Knight said. "It was awful."
The Phillies have to understand that their silence will not make this story go away, especially since they insist on trotting Myers out every five days.
What does it say about the Phillies when the Eagles suspended a superstar for an entire season and he wan't even arrested. I guess that's the cruel reality of pro sports. You can be charged with hitting your wife but you can't be a jerk.
I'll suggest it one more time Phillies: suspend Myers with pay and send him home, call a press conference to apologize for being so insensitive and let the case move through the courts.
Clearly the Phillies don't understand what they have done by turning their heads. It's time for fans to turn away from the Phillies.

READER POLL -- Should Myers have pitched?

Should the Phillies have allowed Brett Myers to pitch Saturday in Boston?

All weekend in the Fenway Park press box, that has been the hotly debated subject. Several fellow scribes, including Dan Shaughnessy of The Boston Globe and esteemed Inquirer columnist Jim Salisbury, were vehemently opposed to Myers pitching and heavily criticized the Phillies in print.

Personally, I think the Phils should've benched him, or maybe more appropriately, allowed him to return home to sort out whatever personal problems he and his wife, Kim, are obviously having. Since Myers hasn't been convicted on the charges of domestic assault and battery, the players' union would've objected had the Phils tried to suspend him. Sitting him or sending him home would've been the next-best things.

Phillies GM Pat Gillick said Myers is "our best pitcher" and that it was "in the best interests of the ballclub" that he make his scheduled start Saturday, about 36 hours after his arrest. To that I say, why? If Myers had thrown a no-hitter against the Red Sox, the Phillies still would've been 10 games behind the first-place Mets. It's not exactly like they're fighting for a division title right now.

I'm curious to know what you think.

You can post responses to this blog, or if your prefer, please e-mail me at slauber@delawareonline.com.

June 24: PREGAME -- Play ball

For the moment, at least, the rain has ceased, and Curt Schilling is warming up. I didn't think it was possible when I woke up this morning and walked to Fenway in a light drizzle.

As expected, Brett Myers is starting for the Phillies today, despite his off-field incident of Friday morning. He walked to the bullpen to a smattering of boos, but surprisingly, he didn't take much abuse from Sox fans in the bleachers while he warmed up.

Obviously, we'll have more coverage in Sunday's News Journal.

All for now.

Myers situation

The Phillies are quick to say Brett Myers has not been convicted of a crime and they're correct in that regard. Where they fall down is in their quickness to remind everyone how important Myers is to the Phillies' rotation and that he must start Saturday.
"I think getting back on the mound will be good for him," Manuel said. "I don't think this is going to be a big distraction. I think [the team] will definitely rally behind him. If they like him, they'll get behind him, and I think they have respect for him."
Charlie, you rally behind someone who is ill or whose house has been destroyed by a hurricane. You don't rally behind someone who is accused of hitting his wife and pulling her hair.
GM Pat Gillick called Myers "our best pitcher," and said, "I think it's in the best interests of the club that he pitches [today]."
What does that mean Pat? Unless you're shopping Myers around (and who's going to want him now), Myers could throw a no-hitter today and it wouldn't put the Phils back in the race.
At the very least, the Phillies should have held Myers out of this start pending their own investigation. Doing that would show respect for the gravity of the charges and also spare Myers from the disdain he's likely to feel from the Fenway crowd today.
Brett Myers may have been bailed on $200, but that doesn't mean he gets a free pass on the mound.

June 23: BREAKING NEWS -- Myers arrested

Here's an Associated Press story about Brett Myers, who was arrested early this morning here in Boston.

Obviously, we'll have more details in tomorrow's News Journal.


ASSOCIATED PRESS

BOSTON — Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Brett Myers was arrested Friday and charged with assaulting his wife on a downtown Boston street.

Myers, 25, who was scheduled to pitch Saturday against the Red Sox, got in an argument with his wife at about 12:20 a.m. at the corner of Boylston and Dalton streets, according to David Procopio, a spokesman for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office.

Myers’ wife, Kim Wickman, and two witnesses told police that the pitcher hit her.

“The evidence at this point leads us to believe the victim was struck in the left side of her face,” Procopio said.

One of the witnesses told investigations that Myers also pulled her hair.

Police responded to a 911 call and found Myers’ wife crying with a swollen face, Procopio said.

Officers found Myers nearby and arrested him. He cooperated with police, Procopio said.

Myers was booked by Boston police and his wife posted his $200 bail.

Myers pleaded not guilty to assault charges at his arraignment Friday morning in Boston Municipal Court, Procopio said.

A Phillies spokesman had no immediate comment.

Myers and his wife have a 3-year-old daughter.

Myers’ next court date is Aug. 4. A judge ruled over the objections of prosecutors that he did not have to attend the hearing in person, Procopio said.

June 22: BONUS COVERAGE

The Phillies notebook from last night wasn't posted online in its entirety, so here it is, in case you missed ...

By SCOTT LAUBER
The News Journal
PHILADELPHIA – Before a game the other day, Larry Bowa spotted Bobby Abreu on the field at Citizens Bank Park and went to say hello to his former right fielder.
“He looked like something was bothering him, and I said, ‘You OK?’” Bowa said Wednesday. “He said, ‘I’m taking a little heat.’ I said, ‘Sometimes, a change of scenery is good.’”
To that, Abreu smiled.
Bowa, now the Yankees’ third-base coach, related the same story Tuesday on a New York radio station, except the former Phillies manager said Abreu was the one who suggested a change.
“I didn’t say that,” Abreu said Wednesday. “Honestly, I don’t really pay attention to that stuff. I don’t really follow if they’re going to trade me or not. Whatever happens is going to happen.”
At the winter meetings last December, the Phillies discussed dealing Abreu, who makes $13.6 million this season and is due $15 million in 2007, but were unable to land the ace pitcher they continue to crave.
The Yankees, with injured outfielders Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield sidelined until at least September, are looking for another hitter.
During his WFAN interview, Bowa said of Abreu, “If you put him on another ballclub, I think he’d go off. I think he’s stagnant here.”
On Wednesday, Bowa added that he thinks Abreu, a .302 hitter with a .413 on-base percentage in 11 seasons, is underappreciated in Philadelphia, where he’s routinely booed for a perceived lack of effort and defensive foibles in right field.
“People don’t realize what he does,” Bowa said. “Sometimes, you don’t really know how good a guy is until he’s gone. Not many guys can do what he does.”
Asked if he feels like he’s being treated unfairly here, Abreu smiled.
“Since the start of the season, I think I’ve played good,” he said. “Last week, I made a couple mistakes in the outfield, and now I’m not good? It doesn’t bother me.”
Abreu has a no-trade clause. Would he waive it if the Yankees came calling?
“If it comes to that, I’d have to think about it,” he said.
ROTATION SHUFFLE
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said rookie right-hander Scott Mathieson won’t start in Boston this weekend but may be used out of the bullpen. Mathieson’s next start likely will be Tuesday or Wednesday nights against the Orioles at Camden Yards.
Right-handers Ryan Madson, Brett Myers and Cory Lidle will start against the Red Sox. Boston will start Josh Beckett on Friday night and Curt Schilling on Saturday.
WOLF WHACKED
Left-hander Randy Wolf, starting for Class AA Reading, lasted only 3-2/3 innings against Erie. He allowed six runs, six hits, two walks and struck out five and threw 71 pitches (46 for strikes).
HOWARD’S POWER
Ryan Howard’s upper-deck home run Tuesday night, the first hit in 3-year-old Citizens Bank Park, was caught by 9-year-old Daniel Levine of Newark. His seat (Section 304, Row 1, Seat 8) was marked by a white ‘H.’
On Wednesday, Yankees manager Joe Torre was still talking about Howard’s 3-for-4, seven-RBI performance.
“He’s something special,” Torre said. “He reminded us, unfortunately, of David Ortiz.”
NOT READY YET
Still unable to run at full speed, catcher Mike Lieberthal (hip) ruled himself out of playing this weekend in Boston. He will try to run again at Fenway Park and said he may play in a few minor league games early next week for Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
INSIDE PITCHES
With the Phillies playing their next nine games in American League parks, Manuel said Pat Burrell will be the DH while David Dellucci or Shane Victorino play left field. Burrell continues to be hampered by a sore right foot. … Manuel on setup man Arthur Rhodes’ 7.22 ERA in 49 career appearances against the Yanks: “There’s probably a lot of pitchers whose record wasn’t so good against the Yankees.”
Contact Scott Lauber at slauber@delawareonline.com.

June 21: IN-GAME -- More from Bowa

In tomorrow's News Journal, you'll read plenty about Larry Bowa, who made some comments related to Bobby Abreu possibly getting traded.

Here's some more of Bowa's greatest hits:

On Jimmy Rollins: "He's got tremendous skills. But sometimes, he gets caught up in being J-Roll."

On Pat Burrell: "To me, Burrell's an American League player. He's a good DH."

More later.

Love those promotions

A great place to keep up with minor league baseball, including box scores that are updated every half inning, is www.milb.com

One if its weekly features is a preview of the upcoming promotions and giveaways at ball parks around the nation. Here's some good ones.

Rome (Ga.) Braves (June 23). Whistles will be distributed to all fans in an attempt to break the world record for simultaneous whistle blowing. I think the current record is held by the people who turned in Enron.

Lake Elsinore (Calif.) Storm (June 30). Tom Cruise Night. Maybe if you wear Ray Bans and jockey shorts, you get in for free.

Reading (Pa.) Phillies (June 30). Darren Daulton pint glass night. Interesting choice for a player who has racked up three DUI charges, according to www.wikipedia.com

Hagerstown (Md.) Suns (July 9). "World's Longest Slip and Slide." If they leave it in the basepath for the game, now that would be something.

Charleston (S.C.) RiverDogs (July 26). "Unorganized Cookie Monster Protest." Super Grover must be behind this one.

Buffalo (N.Y.) Bisons (Aug. 5). Appearance by Survivor's Rudy Boesch. I still can't believe he took his hand off that pole. He had the million in the bag.

Hickory (N.C.) Crawdads (Aug. 5). Soccer ball giveaway. Here kids, learn this sport instead.

Lowell (Mass.) Spinners (Aug. 19). Stopwatch giveaway. Twenty seconds! Twenty seconds! Automatic ball!

Columbus (Ohio) Clippers (Sept. 1). Appearance by Sgt. Slaughter and George "The Animal" Steele. I say the Sarge takes him.

Hagerstown (Md.) Suns (Sept. 2). "World's Largest Game of Duck-Duck-Goose." Tip: When you tag someone as goose, run back around in the opposite direction.

June 21: PREGAME -- Friday's starter

I'm expecting the Phillies to announce in a few minutes who will be starting Friday night in Boston. Once they do, I'll file an update to www.delawareonline.com.

But, if it's any indication, the Red Sox game notes for today list Ryan Madson as Friday's starter, followed by Brett Myers on Saturday and Cory Lidle on Sunday. That would mean the Phillies are skipping rookie Scott Mathieson and going to a four-man rotation, a luxury they have with the off-day tomorrow.

In case you're wondering, the Red Sox will start Josh Beckett on Friday and Curt Schilling on Saturday.

Here's tonight's lineup for the rubber game with the Yankees:

SS Jimmy Rollins
2B Chase Utley
RF Bobby Abreu
LF Pat Burrell
1B Ryan Howard
CF Aaron Rowand
3B David Bell
C Sal Fasano
LHP Cole Hamels

June 20: POSTGAME -- Howard's power

Ryan Howard's workday started at about 2:30 p.m.

As I walked into Citizens Bank Park, I spotted Howard at first base. Bench coach Gary Varsho was hitting him ground balls, and every so often, infield coach Bill Dancy would stop the exercise and give Howard some instruction.

Soon after that, Howard went through the Phillies' usual stretching routine, took batting practice and went 3-for-3 with two homers, a triple and seven RBIs.

If you're counting, that's 49 career home runs in 176 games for Howard.

And the best thing about him is his humility.

Asked what he thought of Yankees CF Johnny Damon's remark that "it was a pleasure to watch him," Howard said, "It's kind of exciting for me to hear those guys say something like that."

Later, Howard was told he has surpassed Albert Pujols for the major-league lead in RBIs with 66. He said, "That's cool. Albert's a great hitter. He's been out for like a month, but hey, I'll take it. I'll be up there with him."

Finally, here's the best quote that didn't make the cut in your morning paper: "We kept coming back and coming back, and eventually, we beat Howard." -- Yankees SS Derek Jeter.

June 19: POSTGAME -- Phillies 4, Yankees 2

I was struck by two things I heard tonight after the Phillies' win:

1. Jimmy Rollins related a story that tells us something about Bretty Myers' psyche. Rollins was in the clubhouse, preparing for his second at-bat, when he heard the announcers on the ESPN broadcast talking about a conversation between Steve Carlton about Randy Johnson. It had to do with the greatness of a pitcher being measured by how often he can keep his team close in games he starts.

Myers also was in the clubhouse, heard the discussion and admitted later that he drew some motivation from it. Over the years, Johnson has kept his team in games, and that's what Myers strives to do each time he pitches.

2. Charlie Manuel got a little chippy in his postgame news conference when he was asked about why he didn't pinch-hit Ryan Howard or Bobby Abreu for David Bell with the bases loaded in the eighth inning. Manuel said he was trying to prevent the Yankees from bringing in Mike Myers, one of the toughest lefty relievers in baseball.

That's a fair point. Lefties are only 7-for-34 (.206) against Myers. Problem is, I don't recall Myers warming in the bullpen.

Regardless, Bell struck out but reached first base anyway after the ball skipped by Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, allowing a run to score for the final 4-2 margin.

June 19: PREGAME -- Lineup changes

Randy Johnson may be 42 years old, and his ERA may be approaching 6.00. But he still forces teams to change their lineup. The Phillies are no different, and tonight, against The Big Unit, who is notoriously tough on lefties, they won't start Ryan Howard or Bobby Abreu, both left-handed hitters.

As a result, Chase Utley will play first base, a position he hasn't played since last season when he played eight games there.

Here is a Phillies lineup you probably won't see again this season.

SS Jimmy Rollins (.257, 9, 24)
RF Shane Victorino (.313, 3, 12)
1B Chase Utley (.297, 12, 41)
LF Pat Burrell (.262, 18, 50)
CF Aaron Rowand (.279, 8, 24)
3B David Bell (.259, 4, 25)
C Sal Fasano (.272, 4, 10)
2B Abraham Nunez (.173, 1, 3)
RHP Brett Myers (4-3, 3.86 ERA)

More after the game.

June 18: POSTGAME -- Phew!

That sound you heard coming from South Philly today was an entire baseball team exhaling. Not only did the Phillies snap a six-game losing streak with an 8-5 win over the Devil Rays, but Ryan Howard escaped a near-devastating injury.

Howard, trying to score in the seventh inning on David Dellucci's single, looked to be out by nearly 30 feet. But catcher Josh Paul bobbled a throw from right fielder Russell Branyan and stuck out his left leg, tripping Howard as he crossed the plate. Howard came down on his left wrist, wrenching it against the ground. It looked painful, but Howard stayed in the game and said afterward that his wrist is OK.

"It's just a little sore," he said. "But it should be fine.

Also, there was no retailiation against D-Rays shortstop Julio Lugo, who angered several Phillies on Saturday night when he tried to bunt for a hit with Tampa Bay leading by four runs in the eighth inning. Evidently, Ryan Madson thought it was more important to win the game than teach Lugo a lesson.

The way things have gone for the Phillies lately, it's hard to argue.

Talk to you tomorrow when the Yankees get to town.

June 18: IN-GAME -- Is Charlie safe?

A few minutes before today's game, Pat Gillick addressed reporters who were curious about Charlie Manuel's job security. It was a legitimate question, especially since the Phillies have lost six straight games, fallen two games below .500 and are four games behind the Cincinnati Reds in the loss column in the wild card race.

"No change," Gillick said about Manuel's status.

Then, he expounded ...

Asked if Manuel is doing a satisfactory job, Gillick said, "I think he is. He can't go out and play."

Your thoughts?

I'll have more after the game and in Monday's News Journal (www.delawareonline.com).

Happy Father's Day.

June 17: IN-GAME -- Mathieson's debut

For a pitcher who was supposed to have a major-league fastball and still-developing breaking pitches, Scott Mathieson acquitted himself well tonight. His breaking stuff was better than I expected, and considering he was making his major-league debut, he exhibited poise, walking only two batters (one intentionally) and none until the sixth inning when his pitch count approached 100.

His line: 6 IP, 8 H, 4 R/ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 1 HR, 1 WP, 1 balk, 92 pitches, 58 strikes

Considering how the Phillies' starters have pitched lately, Mathieson probably deserves another start.

What do you think?

June 17: PREGAME -- Sanches demoted

In order to make room on the roster for Scott Mathieson, who is making his major-league debut tonight, the Phillies optioned reliever Brian Sanches to triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Sanches, who pitched a no-hitter for the Blue Rocks in 2000, has made a decent impression on the Phillies, even though he returns with a 5.87 ERA in 7.2 innings.

"I like him. He's gutty," manager Charlie Manuel said. "He's improved. I saw him two years ago, and he's got more velocity on his fastball. His split's better. I put him in some tough situations and he responded good."

Also, Chase Utley is finally getting a rest today. Utley, stuck in a 5-for-43 slump, started all but one of the first 67 games, including 43 straight.

Here's the Phillies lineup for tonight, with their season stats:

SS Jimmy Rollins (.253, 9 HR, 24 RBI)
3B David Bell (.264, 4, 25)
RF Bobby Abreu (.288, 8, 48)
LF Pat Burrell (.263, 18, 50)
1B Ryan Howard (.292, 22, 55)
CF Aaron Rowand (.286, 8, 24)
2B Abraham Nunez (.164, 0, 1)
C Sal Fasano (.264, 3, 9)
RHP Scott Mathieson (MLB debut)

More later.

June 16: PREGAME -- Wolf is back

Randy Wolf has rejoined the Phillies, and by the All-Star break, he may be pitching from the mound at Citizens Bank Park. After two rehab starts for high-A Clearwater, Wolf's next four starts will be at double-A Reading or triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

He also isn't ready to give up on winning the NL East, even after the Phillies were swept by the Mets this week.

"When you get swept by a rival, especially New York, people usually say, 'It's over,'" Wolf said. "But I remember in 2001, we were something like 8 games up, and it wasn't done. We didn't win the division."

True enough.

Here's tonight's lineup, with season stats:

SS Jimmy Rollins (.254, 9 HR, 22 RBI)
2B Chase Utley (.299, 12, 40)
RF Bobby Abreu (.292, 8, 48)
LF Pat Burrell (.263, 18, 50)
1B Ryan Howard (.289, 22, 54)
CF Aaron Rowand (.287, 8, 24)
3B David Bell (.260, 4, 25)
C Chris Coste (0-for-12)
LHP Cole Hamels (1-1, 3.68 ERA)

The long and short of Rollins

The worst part of Tuesday's and Wednesday's games wasn't that the Phillies lost to the Mets; it was that Jimmy Rollins hit three home runs. Once again, he'll likely get it stuck in his head that he's another Miguel Tejada or A-Rod, then for the next three weeks hit .220 with a .240 on-base percentage chocked full of popups and medium fly balls.
I loved it when he was caught in that hitting streak at the end of last season, because it forced him to go to the plate with a purpose, a plan – to wait for a good pitch and line a base hit and keep the streak alive. Since it ended early this season, he has reverted back to swinging at the first pitch his bat can reach, whether he can do anything with said pitch or not. Pitchers know they can get him to swing at their pitch rather him waiting for his pitch, and they work him accordingly.
Memo to J-Ro, you're not Roberto Clemente; being Jimmy Rollins circa September 2005 works just fine.

Leftovers

So much happened in tonight's game that, invariably, some of it won't make your morning paper. Here, then, are some notes, quotes and observations that you won't be reading over breakfast.

***

By now, you're probably familiar with the feud between Mets closer Billy Wagner and Phillies left fielder Pat Burrell, who allegedly called Wagner "a rat" last season when they were teammates in Philadelphia.

Well, they faced each other in the ninth inning, and Burrell ripped a line drive down the third-base line that was snared by Mets third baseman David Wright with a sensational backhand.

Wagner's reaction?

"MVP. Gold Glove. Isn't that the chant they say at Shea every time he comes out on the field - MVP?" Wagner said. "That was a big play for us. I told him, we're even, but don't think you can't pick me up some more. That was big."

Truth is, Wright will be a star in the majors for years. I watched him play in the minors and saw him have games like this (go-ahead homer, game-saving play) on a routine basis.

***

The Phillies hit five home runs, including David Dellucci's pinch-hit, three-run shot in the eighth. That's a whopping 44.2 percent of their runs this season that have been scored via the homer, a staggeringly large number. It's gotten to the point where the Phillies rarely win when they don't go deep.

***

With the Phils trailing 9-7, Jimmy Rollins was thrown out trying to steal second in the eighth inning, ending a potential rally.

In case you're wondering, Rollins has a green light to steal whenever he sees fit. But, the Phillies have a "hold" sign that they can relay from the dugout if they don't want him to go. According to manager Charlie Manuel, that sign was given to third-base coach Bill Dancy, but Rollins didn't pick it up.

"We had trouble getting [Rollins'] attention," Manuel said. "I did not want him to run there. We gave the hold sign from the bench, but evidently, he didn't see it. We were trying to hold him there. I asked him about it after the game, and his answer to me was, 'We usually go there.'"

***

More from Wagner after his first appearance at Citizens Bank Park since leaving the Phillies in the off-season:

"I had a lot of adrenaline, but that was just the situation. You know you have to go in there and make pitches."

So, there was no adrenaline because of pitching in Philly?

"I've got 10 years in. I'm more concerned in trying to win a championship than going out there than impress the Philadelphia fans or Philadelphia. I'm trying to win for the Mets. That was my only concern. I wanted to me the best of the opportunity [Mets manager] Willie [Randolph] has given me.

Did he get any grief from fans while warming up in the bullpen?

"No. I didn't have time to. I think I threw about 12 pitches and they said you're in the game."

Back from DC ... bring on the Mets

So, the Phillies finally get a day off today (their first since May 22), and they better enjoy it. With the red-hot Mets coming to town, there's little rest for the weary.

If there's such a thing as a big series in June, this is it. Consider the possible ramifications:

The Mets come in with a 6.5-game lead over the Phils. A Mets sweep would push that to 9.5, and the Phils could pretty much start thinking about the wild card. But a Phils sweep would slash the margin to 3.5 games, and the teams still play each other 10 more times.

Probably the biggest reasons for the Mets' success are their 17 one-run wins. The Phils have only eight, along with 12 one-run losses. That's going to have to change if they hope to catch New York.

A few other observations from a weekend in DC:

* Cole Hamels has boatloads of self-confidence. Not only did he seem upset that he was on a fixed pitch count Sunday, but he shrugged off Charlie Manuel's suggestion that he should've thrown a fastball rather than his changeup in a two-out, full-count situation to Royce Clayton. Hamels may be 22, but he has the audacity of a seasoned pro. Now, he just needs to back it up, and that's the hard part.

* RFK Stadium couldn't be more antiquated. That said, DC is one of the best NL cities, and it's going to get better once the new stadium opens in 2008.

* Strangest DC sight: Ford's Theater, where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865 (and one of the most interesting historical sights in a city full of them), is next to a Hard Rock Cafe. Talk about unlikely neighbors.

College pitchers pay off

Whenever I hear about pitching prospect in high school having "a great breaking ball," I always think of the brother of Jerry Martin. You remember Jerry Martin ... the defensive replacement Danny Ozark DIDN'T put in for Greg Luzinski in the ninth inning, likely costing the Phillies the 1977 NLCS against the Dodgers. Well, his brother Mike was a first-round pick by the Phillies, supposedly having the best curveball anyone had ever seen by a high school pitcher. Remember what he did with the big club? No? That's because he blew out his arm well before he got there.

Which brings me to Kyle Drabek, the Phillies' top pick last week out of The Woodlands H.S. in Texas. He's 5-11, has a blazing fastball, and a terrific breaking ball (I've heard slider by some, curve by others). But every time a team uses a No. 1 on a high school pitcher, I cringe. It's going to be a minimum of four years until he reaches the bigs and so many things can go wrong, especially since you've only had a limited number of innings in high school or summer league ball to evaluate him. How will he develop physically and emotionally? Or, worse, what if he's already through developing? Can his arm stand the strain of minor league ball, more innings against pro hitters? What has that great breaking ball done to his pitching arm during his formative years?

My preference is always to take a college pitcher. You get a better read on his maturing body, his arm's durability, and his actual talent. Plus, if he's first-round material, he's much closer to being major league-ready. I know Brett Myers appears close to being an All-Star, but Cole Hamels has already had injury issues and Gavin Floyd seems to be suffering from a serious confidence problem.

I don't mind high school pitchers being drafted in later rounds, but I don't like to risk a first-round pick on one. Now that the deal is done, I can only hope Drabek will be almost as good as his dad was.

UPDATE No. 2: Lieberthal to the DL

Here's a preview of the Phillies notebook that will appear in Saturday's paper.

What I'd like to know is this: Do you think the Phillies should call up Carlos Ruiz to replace Lieberthal or stick with Chris Coste as a seldom-used backup to Sal Fasano?

WASHINGTON – It appears Mike Lieberthal is headed back to the disabled list.
Lieberthal, the Phillies’ starting catcher, was unable to run without feeling pain in his strained left hip before Friday night’s game here and said he “more than likely” would require another stint on the 15-day DL.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Friday that a decision hadn’t been reached, but with reliever Brian Sanches en route here from Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, indications were that Lieberthal will be deactivated today.
“I was at 40 percent, and as soon as I tried to run a little harder, I couldn’t run,” Lieberthal said. “It’s an odd injury. It’s one thing to get hit in the knee. Injuries like that, you don’t like it to happen, but you know how much time it will take to heal.”

UPDATE: Pitching situation

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel just said the Phillies will send LHP Eude Brito back to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. They'll skip a starter thanks to Monday's off-day. The next time they'll need a fifth starter is June 17 vs. Tampa Bay, and by then, there's a chance RHP Jon Lieber (groin) could be ready.

Stay tuned ...

More in Saturday's News Journal.

Better blog now

The wireless Internet connection in the press box here at RFK Stadium is spotty, at best, so while I'm still online, I wanted to provide a short update.

Wondering who's going to take Jon Lieber's turn during the next trip through the starting rotation? So are the Phillies.

Here are some options:

a) Eude Brito: He admits he hasn't pitched well in two starts since coming up from Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and the numbers (10 runs, 14 hits, 10.38 ERA in 8-2/3 innings) support that claim. But he was having success in the minors, and he did well for the Phillies in limited duty last year.

b) Gavin Floyd: His first outing back in Class AAA was a complete-game victory in which he allowed one run and struck out nine. But it's doubtful the Phillies would call him back so soon. Not after he left with a National League-worst 7.29 ERA in 11 starts.

c) Adam Bernero: The Phillies signed him earlier this week, and in his first start for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he allowed one run on four hits and struck out eight in eight innings. He's a major-league veteran, having pitched for Detroit, Colorado and Atlanta since 2000, and may be a viable option. More on Bernero in Saturday's paper.

d) Nobody: With an off-day Monday, the Phillies could skip one starter in their next trip through the rotation. Manager Charlie Manuel is thinking of doing just that.

Stay tuned for more tomorrow.

***

Hang 10 on Chase

One look at Chase Utley without bat or hat suggests Surf City. He is the picture of California cool, in facial expresssion and in demeanor, a cross between James Dean and Luke Perry of that Beverly Hills zip code show. Swinging a bat or charging down the third base line with a catcher blocking his path, it becomes a little more like Muscle Beach. It's only fitting that the star second baseman came to the Phillies by way of UCLA.

I bring these items up only because I have this great fear that when he becomes eligible, Utley will bolt right back to the West Coast and don a Dodgers (or Padres or Angels) uniform.

Even before the start of the season, I had been on my soapbox saying the Phillies had better not drag their feet in locking this guy up with a long-term contract, don't wait until free agency is upon him. They need to wow him now with a show of love and real commitment. Ask any fan who the face of the Phillies is, and the third-year player already would be the overwhelming favorite. That's not to take anything away from Ryan Howard or Brett Myers. But Utley's top-gear hustle and blossoming talent have endeared him to the hard-to-please, would-rather-whine Philadelphia sports fan -- and he didn't have to smash his nose into the center field fence earn that standing. Running out a routine grounder for a base hit, burying a catcher on a play at the plate, hitting a home run or lining a single in a tie ballgame, making a diving stop in the field ... Hey, he's the one Phillie who actually likes to steal a base when it matters. He's what you'd call Larry Brown's kind of ballplayer, a guy who "plays the right way."

This past week, I was interesting to hear Comcast analyst John Marzano echo my sentiments that the Phillies should sign him a 10-year contract -- right now. Let's hope there's a same-thinking person in the Phillies front office.

"Now batting third for the Dodgers, Chase ..."

I get ill just thinking about it.

Random thoughts ...

... while watching the Phillies play in Arizona.

* Eude Brito continues to be listed in the Phils' game notes as the starter Thursday in Washington. But I can't help thinking that Charlie Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee are mulling using Ryan Franklin instead. Consider this: Franklin, supposedly the seventh-inning reliever, wasn't used tonight in a 3-3 tie. Aaron Fultz pitched the seventh, and Rheal Cormier was warming in case Fultz faltered.

* One of these days, Arthur Rhodes will have a clean inning. Until then, he's going to give Manuel and Dubee heart attacks.

* I usually defend Bobby Abreu, but the Phillies are lucky it was Chase Utley, not Abreu, running (sprinting?) down the first-base line in the seventh inning tonight. Utley runs out every grounder, no matter how futile. And his hustle down the line allowed him to beat a throw from D-Backs 2B Orlando Hudson, which, in turn, allowed Jimmy Rollins to score the tying run. Utley once told me, "There's a 95 percent chance you'll be out, but you have to run hard for that 5 percent." That's just not in Abreu's nature.

* Speaking of Utley, he took over the lead in all-star balloting among NL second basemen. Why wasn't he in the lead to begin with? He's the best second baseman in the NL, if not the majors.

* It's not hyperbole when C Sal Fasano says he has never seen a player with more opposite-field power than Ryan Howard. I dare anyone to find a player who takes the ball the other way as often, or as effectively, as Howard.

* Cory Lidle's line -- 6 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 3 K -- was perfectly predictable. That's just about what Lidle does every time he takes the ball.

Paging Ryan Franklin ...

So, Brett Myers starts today in LA, which means the Phillies actually have a chance to win. Myers is about the only sure-thing they have in their rotation right now.

Well, that's not entirely true. Cory Lidle is a safe bet to allow 3-5 runs over six innings, and if the Phillies score some runs for him, they'll likely win. If they don't, like last Wednesday vs. Washington, well, let's just say Lidle probably won't pitch many 1-0 shutouts.

Gavin Floyd certainly didn't. The Phillies were patient with Floyd, giving him 11 starts to prove he can pitch in the majors. Clearly, he had to go. You can't keep handing the ball to a guy with a 7.29 ERA, highest in the NL. Not unless you're the Marlins and have no prayer of making the playoffs. It became evident, over his last four starts, that Floyd lacked the self-confidence to retire major-league batters. Maybe he'll find it in Scranton. Maybe he won't. But he couldn't stay here.

Ryan Madson has struggled as a starter, running out of gas in the third inning on Friday night. And Eude Brito didn't give the Phillies much of a chance Saturday. Rather, he gave up four runs in the first inning, too steep of a deficit to overcome against Dodgers starter Brad Penny.

That brings us to Ryan Franklin.

Franklin, who signed a one-year contract for $2.6 million in the off-season, is the Phillies' best in-house option (until Randy Wolf returns with his rebuilt elbow, likely in July) to bolster the starting rotation. And since Franklin seemingly has lost his grip on the seventh-inning relief role, it probably behooves the Phillies to give him a chance.

Yes, Franklin lost 16 games in 2004 and 15 last year. Yes, he's given up 95 homers over the past three seasons for Seattle. Yes, his career ERA as a starter is 4.45. But he also won 11 games for the Mariners in 2003 before getting the worst run support in the majors in 2004 (3.14 runs/game) and the second-worst in the AL last season (3.4 runs/game).

And, could he really be worse than Floyd or Brito or Madson?

***

If you haven't yet, please check out Sunday's News Journal or www.delawareonline.com. Phillies GM Pat Gillick had some pretty candid things to say about how the team has performed thus far.

Here's a taste: "We haven't pitched very well. We haven't really hit with runners in scoring position. And our defense hasn't been particularly good."

But what alarmed me during my interview with Gillick was his insistence that Wolf, coming back from Tommy John surgery, will make a big impact this year. My experience with Tommy John survivors is that, while they're often back pitching 12 months after their surgery, they don't pitch like their pre-surgery selves until the 20-24-month mark. I just think it's dangerous to rely too much on Wolf this season.

What does everyone else think?