10 games back from the division-leading Washington Nationals just seems so much worse than 8.5 or 9. It's double digits! Alas, that's where the Phillies sit in the NL East as they get ready to take on the Minnesota Twins this evening at Target Field.
I suppose if you're looking for something positive to latch onto, Cole Hamels is pitching this evening, the Phils will welcome Placido Polanco back to the lineup, and Jimmy Rollins swung a hot bat last night.
On the flip side, the bullpen is still the bullpen. Which is tough to watch as of late.
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That's why I won't be watching tonight's game. Okay, that's not entirely true. I won't be watching because I'm opting to take a jaunt to scenic Camden New Jersey to watch a musical concert by the Radio Head.
Here's a quick note on the Twins' starter this evening, right-hander P.J. Waters (2-1, 4.42) from CSN:
Walters, 27, signed with the Twins in December. He was part of the
seven-player trade between the Cardinals and Blue Jays last July that
sent he, Colby Rasmus and Brian Tallet to Toronto for Edwin Jackson,
Octavio Dotel, Mark Rzepczynski and Corey Patterson.
Walters
isn’t overpowering – his fastball averages 88 miles per hour. He also
throws a two-seam fastball, a slider, curveball and changeup. Walters’
first pitch has been a fastball to 69 percent of batters he’s faced this
season.
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Tonight's Lineup:
1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Juan Pierre, LF
3. Hunter Pence, RF
4. Jim Thome, DH
5. Shane Victorino, CF
6. Carlos Ruiz, C
7. Placido Polanco, 3b
8. John Mayberry, 1b
9. Michael Martinez, 2b
8:10 start from Minnesota. The 2012 Phillies. They wear you out.