Week In Review – Survival Is the Key

As frustrating as this week has seemed, the Phillies can still come out after tonight’s game 4-3 for the week.  A win tonight also helps the Phils avoid the sweep at the hands of the NL East Washington Nationals.  There were a couple bad tasting losses this week; both extra inning affairs with Atlanta and the Nats.

There are a lot of things ailing the Phillies.  Charlie Manuel has to better use his bullpen I think.  I have never been more uncomfortable with him calling for Joe Savory and Brian Sanches.  Jonathan Papelbon has been very good this season going a perfect nine for nine in saves, but it seems Manuel is skeptical about using him for more than one inning.

The offense has been clicking better lately.  There are still times where the bats disappear and it seems like a million runners get stranded.  Manuel has tried countless lineups to see what works best.  It is probably in his best interest to find one and stick with it.  This will give the guys he is using to have regular swings and looks.  It’s hard for a guy to come off the bench one day, and then play the next.  Consistency is key.

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The Phillies have been battling injuries all season.  Chase Utley and Ryan Howard never made the Opening Day roster and are still sitting on the DL.  Cliff Lee was added a couple weeks ago and now Jim Thome and David Herndon

join the group.  Utley and Howard could be back soon and Lee is throwing BP sessions looking for a return.