Bako catching again; Other updates
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Bako catching again; Other updates
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
For whatever reason, the Phillies get defensive when you mention anything to them about Cliff Lee's catcher. I don't know why. It doesn't seem like a big deal. So what if Paul Bako has caught all three of Lee's starts? So what if Lee had a personal catcher in Kelly Shoppach in Cleveland? So what if Bako catches the rest of Lee's starts? As the kids say, it is what it is. But Charlie Manuel bristled a bit when I asked him about it last week after Lee turned in his third straight solid start since joining the Phillies, so I guess we're in for the same treatment today. Paul Bako is starting tonight. Again, it makes sense. Why mess with a good thing? But keep in mind Carlos Ruiz had three hits last night. . .
^
Here's the line-up:
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Shane Victorino CF
- Chase Utley 2B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Jayson Werth RF
- Raul Ibanez LF
- Pedro Feliz 3B
- Paul Bako C
- Cliff Lee LHP
^
The Phillies made one signing that they were skeptical about on draft day, convincing RHP Brody Colvin to forgo a committment to LSU to sign a $900,000 deal, but they missed out on another athlete whom they greatly coveted in Colorado HS outfielder Jake Stewart. Throughout the weeks leading up to Monday's deadline, team insiders were saying that the club was making a very strong play for Stewart, who some consider to be the best scholastic athlete to ever come out of the Rocky Mountain state. The Phillies tried to go well above slot to nab Stewart, but he nevertheless opted for a scholarship to Stanford.
Even though Bako is a worthless stiff, Ibanez is the one to worry about. I saw him from behind home plate last night and he looks cooked, nothing like the guy who tore up the league in the first half.— Bob1- Lee's hitting makes up for Bako, unfortunately he can't make up for Bako's defensive shortcomings, WHY is it we got rid of CHRIS COSTE for this stiff? when it comes to stiffs, who contribute nothing, bako has company on the bench in bruntlett and matt stairs— dfrancis1958
- IMO the reason Bako has caught Lee from day one is that he speaks perfect English ,so there is no confusion as far as game plan. I think since Lee did not know the National League hitters, it was easier communicating with Bako. For the liberals in the audience, it is not meant to be offensive.
- i'm concerned that ibanez needs some time off, we have a couple DHs next month, give francisco some more playing time, bring up micheal taylor so he can help us next month, and the playoffs, i'd say utley nedds a day or two off, but WHO do you use at second base?— dfrancis1958
- I'm not worried about Bako's hitting..it's his catching that's bad. He's boxed more balls in a month than Ruiz has in two years. One game they gave Blanton a WP, on a ball that could have been a strike.— bristowvw
- Bako can't catch, can't hit, and he can't run... he must have pictures of somebody in the front office, cause he stinks! The scary part is if Ruiz were to go down there is nobody left on the farm to step in1— dankil13
- Get rid of Bako, bring back Sal Fasano— kgochenour
- I would pull a LaRussa and bat Lee in front of Bako. He's just terrible. Shies away from blocking the plate too. Ruiz is a much better defensive catcher, so I don't know why they wouldn't mix him in there also with Lee.— reidbetweenthelines
- Maybe Lee likes him catching??— MFPhils
- Really, I don't see a remendous amount of difference in the offensive abilities of Ruiz and Bako except to say that Ruiz is slightly better with the bat. But since neither is a quality offensive member of the lineup, the Phils are conceding an out no matter who catches. And since Lee has pitched so well with Bako, it makes no sense to change things. Now if Johnny Bench was the Phils #1 catcher and Bako was replacing him in the lineup every fifth day no matter the opposing pitcher, then that is a totally different argument. As for the rest of the lineup, it probably makes sense to sit Werth against certain righthanders because his pull-off-the-ball, turn your head, off-balance swing against a lot of righthanded pitching is much the same as Ryan Howard's pointless flalings against most lefthanded pitching.— MrPhillie
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- Did Vick buy his house in Bryn Mawr yet? Do his neighbors own dogs?— Dr. Michael
- Cliff Lee is a gift. Thank you Carl Willis, Indians pitching coach.— Dr. Michael
- Comment removed.
