Last night the Phillies lost it then Charlie Manuel lost it. After witnessing his team limp through an 8-1 loss to the Mets, Charlie Manuel had enough. It started when Howard Eskin asked Manuel why he wasn’t more aggressive with his players and during press conferences. Manuel disagreed and said that we don’t always see the aggression and that if Eskin wanted a display he would be happy to show one. Manuel – taking a page out of Joey Crawford’s book – challenged Eskin to follow him back to his office. They went, there was plenty of yelling, but it never came to blows. Eskin was just doing what he does best – getting under the skin of a sports celebrity, usually when they’re most vunerable. All in all, the press conference was not on quite on the Cheney-Calipari level but it was explosive for the skipper who usually maintains a passive demeanor. After witnessing last night’s game, it would be hard for any manager to just sit by idly.
In typical frustrating fashion, the Phillies beat themselves last night. Tom Glavine was certainly not overpowering in allowing 6 hits and 5 walks over 6 innings. The Phillies left 13 runners in scoring position, with 26 total left on base. They grounded into three double-plays and allowed the Mets to roam the basepaths freely. Ryan Howard’s deep fly to center field with two runners on which ended the game was indicative of the Phillies night – close but not nearly close enough. To their credit, the Mets took full advantage of the Bad News Phillies and played stellar defense. Not the least of which came by the glove of Moises Alou who also smacked two homers – including the game winner in the second. Alou can drive in runs, but the Phillies can’t. Maybe the Fightins should adopt his secret to hitting.
Hopefully a series against the Nationals will turn things around…is it too early to say these are must win games? But if anyone is planning on attending Thursday’s businessperson’s special in DC or thinking about going, I have extra tickets. Email me if you’d like to go.
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