When the Phillies were 7-1 to start the season, fans were pounding their chests and talking about what a cake walk the team would have on their way to a third straight World Series appearance. After dropping two of their last three, including last night's rough outing by Jamie Moyer, fans are reminded what a long season 162 games really is and that there will always be bumps along the way. Bumps and/or five run innings from Jamie Moyer.
Prior to the season Cole Hamels was considered one of the key guys on this team if they wanted to repeat as NL champs. With the addition of Roy and the subtraction of Cliff, Cole needed to be more like his '08 self than the '09 version. In his two starts so far this season, he hasn't really been either.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Philadelphia sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Opinions on his performance thus far varies, but I believe he's heading in the right direction. He hasn't unraveled when opposing teams have gotten a few cheap hits off of him, and he's put the Phils in position to win both of his starts. Hopefully he'll continue his winning ways and match Roy Halladay among the league leaders in wins.
The Phils will face lefty Nate Robertson today who is 1-0 on the season in two starts. He's lasted just five innings in both of his starts this season against the Mets and Reds. The Marlins have dropped the first game of every series they've played this season but have yet to lose one of those series. Hopefully that changes today.
Charlie Manuel will give one of his regulars, Raul Ibanez, a rest this afternoon with Ben Francisco starting in left.
It's another chilly day here in South Philly with game time temps right around 50 degrees. First pitch scheded for 1:35.
News
It's also the Phillie Phanatic's birthday this afternoon which gives him an excuse to be extra troublesome. Should be fun.
Notes: Prior to the game, Charlie Manuel said there's no update on whether or not JA Happ will make his next scheduled start on Wednesday. It's a wait and see deal. Joe Blanton is going to pitch Tuesday in Lakewood and is hoping to return to the big club in the first week of May.
Photo by Jay Gloab