Debbie Downer as played by Rachel Dratch SNL - Wikipedia.org
Yes I haven’t written in a while and yes I’m going to be all Debbie Downer about the Phillies. But its very hard NOT to be.
For starters, I probably have seen all of about five Phillies games in the last month. My 12 year-old son’s travel baseball keeps me busy and keeps me from watching Phillies games, but in all honesty, I’m obviously not missing very much.
Let’s see, Kyle Kendrick gave up five runs in the first inning on June 28th against the Pittsburgh Pirates. That in itself isn’t unusual for Kendrick, it was his post-game comments that were truly classic. Kendrick had the audacity to state that he thought he pitched very well. Ummmm, in what planet does he live on??? Giving up five runs in one inning doesn’t constitute good pitching. That’s delusion at its best.
The Phillies are 10 games back in the National League East. Need I say more?
Ryan Howard might be back real soon but I’ve heard he’s not in the best of shape. But that’s just hearsay as I haven’t seen him, so I will hold my opinions until I see for myself.
The bullpen is well…ATROCIOUS! They finally designated Chad Qualls for assignment. Albeit not soon enough. And other than Jonathan Papelbon there’s zero confidence in any of the remaining guys in there.
Cliff Lee has yet to register a win. And seriously if someone had told me back in April that Lee would still be winless by June 30th, I would have balked at that comment (no pun intended)!
Today the Phillies versed the Miami Marlins and what was the outcome? The Phillies lost which was also Cole Hamels‘ third straight loss against the Marlins this season. And though Hamels is 10-4 overall, even he couldn’t stop the Phillies from getting their fourth loss in a row.
It’s going to be very interesting in the upcoming weeks to see if Ruben Amaro, Jr. makes any ‘big’ moves, but apparently he just made one. Jim Thome was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for two minor league players. Have to say I’m sad to see Thome go, he was definitely a bright spot on the team but in a league where there is no designated hitter, he just wasn’t needed. If only he could pitch! *sigh*
But I won’t end this on a bad note. Chase Utley returned and looks good. Carlos Ruiz, can’t say anything negative about him. Jimmy Rollins at times looks good at the plate as does Hunter Pence, although at times I have little to no faith that he will get the big hit when its desperately needed.
There’s still a lot of season left, I just wonder if the Phillies can pull it all together and make a comeback before time runs out!
Heather Carnassale is Contributing Phillies Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at viewfromsection116@gmail.com, or follow her on twitter @heatherc531 and @viewfromsec116.
