Well folks... here we are a month into the season and most Phillies fans are ready to jump off the Ben Franklin Bridge... and who can blame them.
Yuck. I'm just so sick of this team, I could cry. All we heard for the past two years is that if this group of players played up to their potential they would win. Well it is pretty obvious to anyone who follows this team, they are playing to their potential and they suck!
Everyone blamed Larry Bowa for their problems and Bowa got canned. Now we have “Jolly Cholly” Manuel at the helm and he’s running this ship into the ground. Hindsight is 20/20 folks…. Bowa was not the problem, and Manuel is probably the worst manager is Phillies history.
I wonder how Charlie Manuel got this job? I figure it is one or a combination of the following:
A. Jim Thome’s best friend
B. Phillies “Yes” man
C. An all around “good guy”
He obviously didn’t get this job based on his in-game management or his ability to handle 25 guys and make them a winner. This fool has openly admitted he doesn’t know much about “double-switches” and he goes on his “gut” instinct on decisions concerning who should pinch hit and what relief pitch to bring in. I mean it doesn’t get much more idiotic than that.
Usually I’m steaming mad at the Phillies when things are like this. But I find my self not caring at all. I’m a partial season ticket holder and I actually entertained the though of sending all my tickets back to the Phillies with a big “F--- You” letter, but then I thought about the $1000 I put out for those tickets and reconsidered. I suppose I’ll try to get money for them on Ebay, but let’s face it, I’ll probably have to pay someone to take these tickets off my hands.
After 35 games I feel like I should grade the team as a whole and also individual players and coaches. So let’s begin:
Starters
Jimmy Rollins (SS)- C The guy wants to win. He hustles, but he’s not doing what he needs to do at the plate for that to happen. He’s trying to hit HRs at the plate. He’s a lead off man. Just get on base Jimmy. Let the big boys do the hard work!
Placido Polanco (SuperSub)- C- This guy is a jerk. However that’s not why he’s getting a C-. He’s getting that because he whines his way into the line-up and then doesn’t do anything anyway. However, if he wasn’t there, we’d be stuck with Tomas Perez everyday as back up infielder.
Bobby Abreu (RF)- C He’s starting to come around. He’s hit 4 HRs in the last 4 games. He’s stealing bases. However, he’s still striking out WAY too much. His defense leaves a lot to be desired
Pat Burrell (LF)- C- Started out strong. Slumping again, like always. I don’t know what is wrong with this guy. I’m getting really sick of him. The Phillies never should have given him a huge contract until they saw what he was really all about.
Jim Thome (1B)- D- Horrible start to the season. He is currently on the DL, and I don’t think 15 days will cure what ails him. He will probably end up having season ending back surgery.
Chase Utley (2B)- B- He’s been good. Probably the best infielder we have. Solid at the plate and in defense
David Bell (3B)- D+ This guy is a ZOMBIE. He had an outburst the other night and reminded everyone he is still alive. He’s horrible at the plate. He’s defense is so-so. The outburst the other night while playing the Brew Crew gave him the + in his grade.
Mike Lieberthal (C) - F He’s done. Stick a fork in him. He can’t hit. He can’t call a game. He can’t throw guys out. He’s hit a wall. And we get to pay him 7.5 million this year and next year. Yea!
Kenny Lofton (CF)- C Old as dirt. He’s been injured half of the season so far. But good when he plays.
Jason Michaels (CF)- B- He’s been a real surprise. He’s been able to get on base and been a great “sub” since Lofton’s been out with injury. He’s been a bright spot.
BenchTodd Pratt (C)- D He’s old. He can’t hit, but he calls a better game than Lieby with his eyes closed.
Tomas Perez (INF)- C He’s actually been okay in the games he’s played but he could never be an “everyday” guy. He’s good off the bench, which is his role.
Jose Offerman (INF)- F I don’t have a clue why this guy is here. He pinch hits and almost never gets a hit. He’s horrible. He can’t play the field either.
Ryan Howard (INF)- F So far, not good at the big league level.
Starting Pitching
Jon Lieber- A- A very nice surprise. Has been great so far. I feel bad he’s got a bunch of losers behind him.
Brett Myers- A Finally doing what everyone thought he was capable of. One season too late. Oh well… better late than never. I love Brett. I’m happy for him!
Randy Wolf- D+ A real disappointment. He improved on his last outing but he’s pretty much been bad so far.
Vicente Padilla- F A disaster.
Cory Lidle- B Very good. Our guys score him no runs. He should have more wins.
BullpenBilly Wagner- B+ He’s been good as closer. Usually our bullpen blows it before we can get to him.
Tim Worrell- F Disaster. On DL for mental problems. He doesn’t like being booed. It hurts his feelings.
Ryan Madsen- B- Started out rocky but getting better. He’s the new “set up” man since Worrell is on the DL
Rheal Cormier- C He’s old, but he’s pitched okay this year. I have a feeling his arm will fall off soon.
Aaron Fultz- C Hardly see this guy. He’s there for long relief. He was bad in the beginning, but has improved.
Terry Adams- F Horrible. I don’t have a clue why the Phillies signed this fool.
Geoff Geary- D Long relief. When he comes in you know the game is over. We are not coming back.
Rob Tejeda- CANNOT GRADE. He was just brought up for DLed Worrell.
Management
Charlie Manuel- F HORRIBLE. He’s an idiot.
2005 Phillies- D+Let me know if you think I’m right or wrong. I think this pretty much dead on.
Right now the Phillies are 15-20 and LAST place in the NL East. I don’t see us getting out of the basement this season--- Unless a miracle occurs. And the Phillies are ALWAYS short on miracles.
Yeah David, that's how Phillies phans feel too!
