The Phillies are like the National League Yankees. I’ve said this before. They have so much money (from TV, and selling out every game). TWICE the payroll
People say “What’s wrong with the Braves” without thinking. They own the second-best record in the league, despite their lackluster offensive performance. At least nine players have been hurt: McCann, Chipper, Prado, McLouth, Schafer, Heyward, Moylan, Hanson, and Medlin. But now Uggla and Freeman are hot. Prado’s back, and soon Chipper, McCann, McLouth, and Moylan will be as well.
Wren was furious that Astros turned down their offer for Pence. Said his offer was better that what the Phillies gave up. But had the Braves landed Pence, someone (Prado, Pence, or Heyward) would’ve had to play an unfamiliar position (centerfield). Wren stole Bourne from the Astros: a .300 Gold-Glove centerfielder leading baseball in stolen bases. Bourn fits better with the Braves than Pence.
Will be interesting to see how much Prado is asked to bunt, when he hits in the two hole. Since Gonzo, McLouth, and Schafer weren’t hitting, I can’t blame Fredi for bunting them. Saw Hinske try a bunt this weekend, but that was only to get the third-baseman to move in a bit (increasing his chances to hit it past him. But there are too many hit-and-runs. MLB.com writer Mark Bowman calls it the “triple reverse”.
Sounds like speedy Constanza will play left while Chipper and McLouth are out. He’ll bat eighth, so the pitcher can bunt. (as I typed this earlier today, I considered the possibility that batting Constanza NINTH would put the two speedsters back to back, but I failed to mention it). Thursday after the # 8 hitter reached Lowe batted, even though he was coming out of the game. He successfully executed his second sac bunt of the game.
If the Phillies are so great, why didn’t they win the last two World Series? What’s wrong with them?
The key isn’t to win the division. It’s to make the playoffs and peak in October.
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