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The Phillies Week In Review, Week 2

After another week and five more games, the issues continue to mount for the Phillies. The bullpen had a rough week, including Brad Lidge’s consecutive saves streak ending at 47. The top of the order continues to slump, the lefties continue to pound the ball, and they end the week again with a dramatic home run. I’ve also buried the lead of the week, the passing of Harry Kalas.



Charlie Manuel: C- There was nothing blatant the week to judge Charlie on, but he needs to get quite a few players turned around sooner rather than later. He sat Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth Sunday, so maybe that can help the guys get back to hitting the ball.

The Rotation: D- Five more games, and five crappy to mediocre starts from the rotation. The team continues to fall behind early in games and relies on late-game heroics to win. The staff’s ERA currently sits at 7.67 after 11 games, which is easily the worst in all of Major League Baseball. There’s not much more to add, although Myers again was great when not offering up home runs.

The ‘Pen: F This was a rough week for the Phillies’ bullpen, as just about everybody had a rough outing or two. Brad Lidge collected his 47th consecutive save with a shaky 2-run ninth on Monday, pitched an adventurous although scoreless ninth on Friday in a non-save spot, and then got shelled on Saturday night to end his saves streak. Madson, Taschner, and Durbin all had rough weeks as well.

The Lineup: B- The kids can sure hit. Despite struggles from Rollins, Victorino, and Werth this week the team continues to hit well and score runs. Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Raul Ibanez all played tremendous baseball this week, carrying the team offensively. The lineup can’t be too highly praised, however, as long as the two guys getting the most at-bats are hitting under the Mendoza Line combined.

The Bench: C The bench added a few hits this week, including a big home run from Jimmy Rollins late in Sunday’s contest. The team’s top pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs finally got a hit, but on a whole this unit isn’t producing, as evidenced by their .227 average so far this season.

*Special Grade for the handling of Harry Kalas’ death: A++ First class treatment in every respect. From the tearful broadcasts of Monday’s game in DC that turned slowly into eulogies, to the tribute videos, to the public viewing at home plate, the Phillies handled this very sad week with the utmost class and respect. Thank you to the entire front office.

Final Grade: D+ The on-field product is nowhere near good enough to this point. Hopefully something gives soon, because if not then moves will have to be made, starting with the rotation. Chan Ho Park’s leash shouldn’t be very long, and Cole may end up on the DL just to rest if he can’t turn things around. JA Happ or Carlos Carrasco may be seen in the rotation a lot sooner than any of us had even feared. If Jimmy and Shane can’t turn around their struggles soon, then who hits leadoff on this team? Werth? Marson? I do not know.