Phils Swept by Marlins

http://www.flickr.com/photos/phillymads63/ / CC BY 2.0

The Phillies got blown out 12-3 yesterday in an embarrassingly sloppy game at Citizens Bank Park. I was in attendance during yesterday's game against the Marlins and I am disgusted by what I saw: a Phillies team that seems to be falling apart.

Jamie Moyer gave up only 2 earned runs in 5 innings, but he also gave up 11 hits in what should be his last start this season. The Phillies bats managed only three runs in the ball game. The Phillies need to start hitting the ball with runners in scoring position.

In the 7th inning, home plate umpire Ed Rapuano threw Shane Victorino out of the ball game from centerfield. Victorino raised his hands in the air after a borderline strike from Rodrigo Lopez was called a ball. Rapuano threw Shane out of the game, and Victorino ran up from centerfield and got in Rapuano's face. Several players had to hold Victorino back from Rapuano, clearly afraid Shane was going to harm Rapuano.

I have never seen a umpire throw a guy out of the game for putting his hands up in the field. Rapuano has never been good at calling balls and strikes (that was on display the previous half inning during Howard's at-bat). Shane Victorino should not be suspended or fined under any means. If anything, Rapuano should be disciplined.

After the confrontation, we fans at the Bank booed every call Rapuano made. Believe me, Rapuano was really getting it from the fans. The fans also taunted Rapuano by chanting "Vic-to-ri-no!" over and over again.

Jayson Werth took over center field for Victorino. Werth made an atrocious play when a grounder went directly under his glove with the bases loaded. Three runs scored and the Phils were mentally done.

Brad (7.24 ERA) Lidge comes into the game in the ninth with the Phils down 9-3. Even in a completely no-pressure situation, Lidge gave up three runs in the ninth... not exactly how your closer should pitch.

Brad Lidge should not be the closer. He comes in and is almost guaranteed to give up a run or two. Lidge should not be put in a close game. They need to find another guy in the bullpen to step up because Lidge should be relegated to mop-up duty.

Charlie Manuel held a 20-minute meeting after the game, clearly frustrated with how his team is performing.

Manuel: "I can tell you this. I was upset by the way we played today. I thought we lost our composure and did things we don't normally do. We can do much better. We're not the team you saw on the field today.'' If you want to make a playoff run (or the playoffs at all), you better be.

Phils Ink Victorino, Howard Will Go to Arbitration

The Phillies have signed two arbitration-eligible players. Outfielder Shane Victorino signed a 1-year deal worth $3.125MM. This is a good move for the Phillies, because Victorino was a key player in the Phils Championship run. Also a key player, Joe Blanton was signed to yet another single year deal worth $5.475MM.

The Phillies front office staff will yet again go to arbitration with slugger Ryan Howard. Howard has asked the Phillies to empty their pockets and give him $18MM. The Phillies say they want to give him $14MM. Howard made $10MM last season, and he lead the league in both homers and RBIs. I think he will have a convincing argument, and he will get his money.

Victorino Powers the Phillies to a Victory in Game 2

Game two between the Phillies and Brewers has just ended 5-2 in favor of the Phils. Brett Myers pitched very well, giving up a slim two runs through seven strong innings. But Brett's bat may have had a bigger impact on the final score. Myers drew a walk from C.C. Sabathia in the second inning to put two runners on for Jimmy Rollins. Myers did a nice job of fighting off Sabathia. Rollins then walked. Victorino followed him up with a grand slam to give the Phillies 5-2.

C.C. Sabathia choked in this game. It's as simple as that. He gave up five runs in three and 2/3 innings. I know it was tough on Sabathia's arm to pitch four consecutive starts on short rest. But C.C. hasn't done well in the playoffs throughout his career. He has a 7.17 ERA in the postseason.

The Flying Hawaiian was the hero in this game, however. He drove in four of the Phillies five runs with a grand slam in the second inning. Victorino (upper left) sent a mythical blast over the wall in left field. Nobody in the park thought it was going over the fence when he hit it, but that line drive homer just kept carrying until it left the field of play.

Victorino batted second in tonight's game. In game one and during the latter part of the season, Victorino batted in the bottom of the order. But in tonight's game Charlie Manuel decided to switch Victorino with the struggling Jayson Werth, and boy did it pay off! He homered, and also doubled... twice.

Myers was the warrior in this game. He fought threw a jam in first inning when he loaded the bases with one out. He then walked in a run, but that was the only run he gave up in that inning. He got Corey Hart to ground in to a fortuitous double play to get out of the inning.

The Phillies now have a good chance to go to the NLCS, and there is no reason they shouldn't. Old reliable Jamie Moyer (16-7) will be going against unreliable Dave Bush (9-10). The Phillies have a real good opportunity to sweep these Brewers on Saturday night at Miller Park. If they could do that, their pitchers would get some much needed rest.