Phillies Take Manuel's Talk To Heart
After Wednesday’s 10-6 loss to the New York Mets, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel had enough.
Phillies Take Manuel's Talk To Heart
Marc Narducci
After Wednesday’s 10-6 loss to the New York Mets, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel had enough.
He met with the team and basically told them that they weren’t playing the game they way he’s accustomed to seeing it from the five-time defending National League East champs.
We’re sure much more was said, but that was the message.
And while it’s only one game, the Phillies say they took the talk to heart.
So much that has been missing – especially timely hitting and capable relief pitching - was evident in Friday’s 7-3 win over the San Diego Padres.
John Mayberry Jr. hit his first home run of the season and Carlos Ruiz, the Phillies MVP through the first 33 games, clubbed his sixth, tying last season’s total.
The bullpen, which had been torched in the sweep of the New York Mets, pitched three scoreless innings, two by Antonio Bastardo and one by Chad Qualls.
And Vance Worley, while not dominating, struck out nine, and allowed three runs in six workmanlike innings.
“I think Charlie’s pep talk kind of really hit home,” Mayberry said after the game. “There is a sense of urgency and we had to pick it up and you kind of saw that today."
Worley also felt that Manuel’s speech made an impact.
“There wasn’t as much music going on today,” Worley said. “Guys were trying to focus in on what they needed to do.”
Before the game, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. was asked about Manuel’s speech to the team.
“I think the message Charlie gave, I’m sure was heard and hopefully we will move on from there,” Amaro said.
Amaro was asked what has been missing with this team, and he had an easy answer: “Wins right now,” he said. “We’re missing wins. We have to play better baseball and need to play better fundamental baseball and I know the guys can do it.”
For one night, the Phillies did just that.
Skeptics will say, that it came against an 11-22 team that has the worst record in the National League.
It’s the same Padres team that split a four-game series with the Phillies last month in San Diego.
Right now, no opponent or win should be looked down on.
It will be a while before the Phillies truly know if Manuel’s words made an impression.
For one night, they certainly did.
"It’s a good start for us to get back on the right foot to get a W,” Worley said. “We hit the ball better today and played good defense and it’s something we have to build on.”
At this point they have no choice
Postgame moves
After the game, catcher Erik Kratz was optioned to Lehigh Valley and the Phillies selected the contract of Mike Fontenot. Infielder Michael Martinez was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
In addition, outfielder Scott Podsednik was traded to the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations.
Fontenot batted .300 for Lehigh Valley (15 for 50)
Podsednik, who was beaten out by Juan Pierre for the Phillies final outfield spot in spring training, batted just .203 at Lehigh Valley (15 for 74).
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Pods is gone, wah, start your crying whiners - spring training tells all.
On another note, Luna, Fontenot up, much better bench.
And FINALLY Diekman arrives, he will be our 8th inning lockdown bridge to Pap bu JULY.
Diek is unhittable.— WFChamps- Wow, Phils beat the worst team in baseball at home and it gets treated like a big deal. How far have the Phils fallen? Meanwhile Worley continued to regress against a really bad hitting team Rollins still sucks, and Amaro put this team together. Get rid of him before he screws it up even more.— lazyboy
When the NBA stopped playing defense, calling walks, made it all about the Superstars,stopped calling charging, etc. I just stopped watching. I didn't show up on the Sixers site telling people I didn't like anything about the team even as crummy as they were. There are other teams other sports. Might I suggest Lacrosse or perhaps Badminton as possible alternatives. Hope this is helpful.— DUDESKINS
Comment removed.- Comment removed.
- I just read an article about stress and anger management which said anger and the stress it creates is one of the leading factors in Heart attack and stroke. It suggested a way to avoid stress by altering ones habits. Avoiding things that make one feel anger ,resentment or hate and finding alternate interests that bring one joy or happiness .Maybe this is helpful, and since my remarks above were not directed at you or anyone else by name consider this a public service announcement. — DUDESKINS
- I just read an article about stress and anger management which said anger and the stress it creates is one of the leading factors in Heart attack and stroke. It suggested a way to avoid stress by altering ones habits. Avoiding things that make one feel anger ,resentment or hate and finding alternate interests that bring one joy or happiness .Maybe this is helpful, and since my remarks above were not directed at you or anyone else by name consider this a public service announcement. — DUDESKINS
- i can't believe this drek. jaizuss, gelbover (i can't tell which of these clowns is which, not that it matters), don't you have any scruples? sports journalism. barrrrf.— bubba church & granny hamner
- bubba/granny, you should ask for your subscription money back since you hate the reporting. How much are you paying this web site?
- You saw this one coming a mile away. After limping through three series against three divisional rivals with winning records, Charlie holds off on his pep talk until they are ready to embark on 4 series against losing teams- the other two last place teams in the NL and a last place interleague opponent. With the first signs of life, dutiful reporters attribute the success to the manager's speech. C'mon.— jtj06
- A reporter selling a constant cynical view has his niche followers but the the general public want articles that give them hope or positive uplifting stories especially about their distractions like baseball. You know about their hometown favorites, on the diamond heroes, and things of human interest They get cynical all day every day from the news of the world and talk radio. IMO — DUDESKINS
- One night does not a lover make.— drbob456
They won the game. They got timely power hitting, and good relief pitching. Who cares if it was the Padres. It feels a lot better this morning!— John621- Manuel got them going? He had 27 different lineups in the first 32 games and has been jerking Mayberry around all season. Where was his big motivational speech before they were swept by the Mets? It's more like the Phillies responded to playing the Padres. Manuel is in the way.— TomO
i tell ya as long as kendrick steps on the mound i get nevrvous.he cant pitch as a starter.he cant pitch in long or short relief.please dont let him out on the field chollie.please get rid of this lunatic chollie
