Kendrick Tries to Get Things Right as Phils Face Braves and Their Young Star

The Phillies kick off a three game set this evening in Atlanta with the team many believe to be the Fightins' biggest threat to prevent them from repeating as NL East champs. Although after Sunday's loss to the Marlins, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said not to discount the team that beat them over the weekend.

Just two weeks into the young season the East is tight at the top with the Marlins and Braves a half and full game back respectively. The Phils will get their first crack at the Bravos tonight with Kyle Kendrick on the hill.

Charlie Manuel spoke highly of the Braves team they'll face tonight. "They got good pitching. They got a good young team. They have good contact and have a good young rookie in rightfield. They got Troy Glaus to go with McCann and Chipper Jones for some power. They should be improved this year. They're gonna have a good team," Cholly said on Sunday. The Phillies resident hitting guru then threw some praise Braves' phenom Jason Heyward's way.

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"He's got a tremendous body, he's very athletic, he's got a very quick
bat. He's strong, in tremendous shape. He's a real good looking young
player," Manuel said of the youngster who is off to a fast start in his first Big League season, leading the Braves with 3 HRs and 15 RBIs.

The Delco Times' Ryan Lawrence takes a nice look at Heyward with quotes from many of the Phillies on the young slugger's hot start, including Shane Victorino. “So far, it speaks for itself,” Shane Victorino said. “I saw him in spring training. His approach and
understanding of the game, for a 20-year-old, it’s like this guy is
already comfortable.”

The Phils will go with Kyle Kendrick tonight to kick off the series. While Kendrick has struggled mightily in his first two starts, Manuel says this start is no different for Kyle than any other, "All starts are big for Kyle. He definitely knows he has to pitch better than what he's been doing, but at the same time I have confidence in him. I've seen him pitch good and I think that he'll be fine."

Phillies fans clearly don't have as much confidence in Kendrick as the skipper does. With JA Happ missing his next scheduled start, Kendrick stepping up and pitching well would really help the club right about now.