A Very Tough Loss

It seems appropriate to start this entry with a quote from Tuesday's loss to the Marlins; "This was our game, and we messed it up," added manager Charlie Manuel, who looked especially frustrated after the loss. "When [Brett] Myers pitches that good, it's tough for us to lose the game. This is very tough."

Yes, that was a tough loss, one that possibly puts the Phillies out of the race, now 7.5 games out of first and facing the first place Marlins again tonight, a desperation must win game. Had they won the game, it would be 5.5 games out and looking at the possiblity of pulling within 4.5 tonight.

So let's examine the situation a little closer. First, the Phils have been on a pretty impressive streak winning 2 of 3 from the Cardinals at home and going on the road to win 2 of 3 from the first place Orioles. Fans may have been starting to believe again and looking forward to this series against the Marlins as a chance for the team to prove themselves and start climbing back in this race. The last thing that could happen at this point is to be swept by the first place Marlins. Anything that happens for a month after that really doesn't matter if you fall to 8.5 games out before Memorial Day.

There are a couple of observations to make. First, the relief staff is horrible, and that's not an opinion, the Phillies now have a 6.35 ERA out of the pen, a major league worst. And that's with Wagner's strong stats (regardless of the home run last night). Imagine if Mesa was still the closer. Ouch.

Second, given this fact, why would Manuel pull Myers after the 7th inning. MLB.com reports that Myers was "gassed" after the 7th, not having watched the game, but looking into the boxscore, how can this be the case. Yes, he had thrown 104 pitches, but after 7 shutout innings only giving up 2 hits, was he really that "gassed." Really, it seems like a pattern that's starting to emerge where Manuel feels like he needs another run or so in the late innings, and to do so he brings in a pinch hitter for the starting pitcher. More than once, this has lead to a bullpen meltdown. It seems elementary that a guy tossing a 2 hit shutout with a 3-0 lead has earned the right to come out in the 8th. Not to advocate having pitchers injur themselves due to high pitch counts (see the Chicago Cubs), but at least let Myers start the inning and see how he does. Who knows, it could have been a 5 pitch 1-2-3 innning.

The core of the issue here however is what Ed Wade is going to do to address the bullpen issues. Adams has thankfully been released or reassigned and Telemaco always seems to provide quality innings over the course of the season, but he is more of a long relief or mop up guy. We probably would have seen an 11th inning if Telemaco had stayed in to face Delgado instead of switching to Fultz. But, what is the deal with Tim Worrell? He takes a leave of absence, and doesn't communicate with anyone, leaving the team in a very tough place. If the fans were the issue, then why not come back for this road trip to straighten things out. If Worrell doesn't intend on coming back, shouldn't he let management know so a trade can be worked out.

Speaking of trades, the Phillies definitely have the bargaining chips to reshape the bullpen (once again). Here are some ideas, in no particular order.

• Trade Worrell back to the Giants for Matt Herges or another quality middle inning guy (they need a closer with experience).
  
  
• Trade Polanco to the A's for Octavio Dotel (one of the best setup men ever and a reunion with Wagner)
  
  
• Trade Howard to the Orioles for Jorge Julio (an average closer, and great setup man - Palmeiro can't play 1st forever)
  
  
• Trade Bell to the Dodgers for Yency Brazoban (quality closer while Gagne was out - they are desperate for a 3B)

Whatever happens, it needs to happen soon. Having an effective Worrell back would be a good first step, otherwise it comes down to a trade. Before that, leave the starters in for an extra inning or 2 since they give the team the best chance to win.