Phillies Crushed by Mets

The Phillies are struggling. That is what is clearly evident after their 9-1 loss to the New York Mets. The Phillies once potent lineup melted like a glacier in Arizona against the middling Jonathon Niese. I know the Phillies have had struggles against left handers (especially when they've never faced them before), but come on, this is ridiculous.

Kyle Kendrick started the game for the Phillies. Many people believed that this was a make or break start for Kendrick. He had an averagely mediocre night. He gave up 4 runs in 5 innings. He only gave up 5 hits but the Mets battered him for 3 home runs. I am not sure if Kendrick should lose his starting job in the rotation, but he didn't show much tonight.

Rod Barajas, former Phillie, hit two homers off the Phillies. When he was with the Phillies, he didn't even hit his own weight and managed a meager four dingers. He already has five homers this season, but he still isn't batting his weight.

Charlie Manuel needs to meet with his team in an attempt to end this slump. Shane Victorino did not hustle at all on a dropped third strike. He didn't even run at first, and when he did, it was only at half-speed. Had Victorino had gone full speed, he easily would have reached first because Barajas botched the pickup. Heck, I coulda beat the throw!

Brad Lidge was uninspiring in his first outing of the season. He gave up a home run to Rod Barajas, he of the newly-found power. He did manage to get an out before giving up another hit. He was lifted from the game after that. I just hope Lidge can pull it together, now that Madson is on the DL.

This is a bad time for the Phillies to get into a rut. They have two more games against these Mets at home. Then they have a 4-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Well, at least we have Roy Halladay on the hill tomorrow. Maybe he's the only one who can end this slide.