Charlie Manuels tries to console Cole Hamels after he was tagged for three runs in the first. (Ron Cortes/StaffPhotographer)
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Phillies Notes: Bako earns catching job with savvy
As special assistant to then-general manager Ed Wade in 2004, Charlie Manuel was assigned to scout potential free agents. In that role, he attended a Chicago Cubs game to watch Paul Bako.
"I wrote that he could handle the bat," Manuel recalled yesterday. "He could catch, he could throw, and he could call a good game."
Last night, Bako offered proof at the plate, driving in the winning run for the Phillies in the ninth inning.
Game management always has been considered Bako's strength, and his resume includes two tenures as Greg Maddux's personal catcher, one in Atlanta and one in Chicago.
This year, the Phillies auditioned Ronny Paulino as a potential backup for Carlos Ruiz during spring training, but ultimately traded him. While Paulino failed to claim Chris Coste's job, Bako succeeded.
Rodrigo Lopez, whom Bako has caught twice, also has been impressed. "When he calls a pitch, he projects confidence about what he's calling, and that makes you feel secure," Lopez said.
Bako, 37, attributed his skills to experience and observation. "You learn a lot by just watching the games," he said. "A lot of [calling games] has to do with trial and error and seeing certain guys' strengths, and how the movement on their pitches matches up with the hitters' swings."
The decision to waive Coste (he was claimed by Houston) also altered the Phillies' bench and promised more opportunities for John Mayberry Jr. Coste had been used primarily as a righthanded pinch-hitter of late, and he went 1 for 12 in that role. Mayberry entered last night's game batting just .188 with four home runs, but the Phils' lack of righthanded power made him more appealing.
"We think he's more valuable to us in the big leagues than on the triple-A team," Manuel said.
Better than last year?
The day after Phillies personnel scouted free-agent righthander Pedro Martinez in the Dominican Republic for the second time in a week, Manuel said reports were that the 37-year-old was "throwing better than he did last year."
Last season, Martinez was 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA for the New York Mets. He lasted six or more innings in nine of 20 starts. Manuel has said that he would like the Phils to acquire a pitcher capable of going deep into games, and yesterday he remained open-minded about the possibility of adding Martinez.
"If he can help us, of course I want him," Manuel said. "He's a competitor."
General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said that he had nothing new to report on the situation, and Martinez's agent, Fernando Cuza, did not respond to requests for comment yesterday.
Ibanez returns
Raul Ibanez, who had been out with a groin strain, was in the lineup last night for the first time since June 17. Manuel said he would give him an occasional rest until the leftfielder feels 100 percent.
Ruiz out
Ruiz, who was not in the starting lineup, was suffering from neck soreness, Manuel said. The catcher took batting practice and said he felt OK and could play if needed.
