Latest Phillies Win A Source Of Pride For Manuel
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Latest Phillies Win A Source Of Pride For Manuel
Marc Narducci
NEW YORK -- It’s only one win in a long season, but manager Charlie Manuel seemed to be more pleased than usual following Wednesday’s 10-6 victory over the New York Mets at Citi Field
Maybe because it was the way the Phillies won that pleased the manager. This was a game in which the Phillies combined a little bit of everything that Manuel had hoped to see more frequently as we near completion of the first third of the season.
The game included solid starting pitching, a comeback effort, timely hitting, and strong relief pitching (when the outcome was still in doubt).
And the players seemed genuinely excited, maybe because this was the type of game that the Phillies expected to win based on seasons past.
“The dugout was lively and everybody was into it,” Manuel said.
Cliff Lee pitched six solid innings, and is still without a win but he said that didn’t matter as long as the team won. Carlos Ruiz had the key pinch hit two-run homer that tied the score in the seventh.
Antonio Bastardo and Jose Contreras pitched shutout innings in relief when the game was still in doubt. Jimmy Rollins looks like he could be breaking out after a 3 for 5 game that included a three-run home run.
Brian Schneider got another big clutch hit, the double that enabled Manuel to pinch hit Ruiz for Lee, the move that turned the game around.
What Manuel appeared to like the most was that the Phillies grinded this win out. Manuel is a baseball lifer and he appreciates talent, but also a team that can fight. Too often this season that hasn’t been a trait this team has shown.
“When we stay with it like we did tonight, when we outplay the other team, when you are consistent, wanting it, you enjoy playing and have a passion for the game,” Manuel said. “Plus when we execute, we did some good things right in the game.”
Manuel also mentioned that the Phillies have now won two road series in a row. They took three of four in St. Louis and two of three at Citi Field. (Technicall, it's three road series in a row becaue the PHillies swept the Cubs May 16-17 in Chicago).
“Now we have to go home and win some games,” he said.
Amazingly the Phillies are just 11-13 at Citizens Bank Park.
More than win, he feels the Phillies need some victories like this recent one, where a team has to show its character and heart.
It’s only one game and nobody should suggest will turn things around but it did change the mood of the manager.
Besides enjoying the result, Manuel appeared truly proud of the effort and too many times he left the ballpark this season without a similar feeling.
To: The teams in the NL East
From: The Phillies
BOO!— Dragon13- genius just figured out that when you don't use Qualls in a close game, team may actually have a chance to win...he also figured out to use his best hitter off the bench instead of some officially designated "bench player".. see old dogs do still learn things, just verrrry slooooowly— warbiscuit
- I can think of more than a handful of games ol' Chollie blew for us as well. Without those, we could be in first place right now. So before we go crowning this as his greatest achievement, we might consider what a better in-game manager might have done for us. I'm not a Chollie-hater, but he reminds me of Reid, great for the players, not so much with thinking on his feet in the heat of the battle. Some of the coaches that left, Lopes, etc. made Chollie a lot better in-game.— cuyatm
- We are in the midst of the greatest run in Phillies history and yet we get bombarded by the same Negative Nellies deriding Charlie and Ruben and the team. Sorry, I'm just going to enjoy this run for as long as it will take us. It seems some folks want total domination, day in and day out, and even that is not without complaint! If John McGraw, Connie Mack, Joe Torre, Earl Weaver or any successful MLB manager were managing this team, the message board comments would remain the same from the Negative Nellies. If we had Ty Cobb at the height of his greatness, these same posters would be crying how the man did not hit enough for power. SHEESH!
Don't worry, Nellies, the law of averages in baseball say your team will hit a low spot. But it ain't now.....this team still shows signs of life, despite your protestations.— DelawareRiverRat - Way to go, Phils!!! 16 wins in May... tied for 5th most in MLB. Keep it up!! The Phils will be in a good place to go on their usual second half surge with a 15-13 June month. I think they can do it with the Twins, Blue Jays, Rockies and Pirates being 13 of the 30 games (or ~8 wins).— Clt Philly Fan
- Charlie Manuel has created a happy and winning environment for the Phillies players. Players want to come to Philly as they know they'll be treated like pros and not like children. Some will criticize Charley for his on the field decision making and some times rightfully so, but when you take in the whole picture.. Charley has been great for us and deserves our full and complete backing.— bradco
- Not giving up on this team with all the injuries/setbacks and only 4 games out in the loss column. Cholly has done a pretty decent job putting together a line up with tape, string, and glue. There could be help on the way, just not from Houston. Notes are out that Carlo Quinten (who the Phillies should have traded for two years ago) will most likely be available because 1. the Padres are out of it 2. he will be a free agent next season. Personally, get the guy, sign him for 3 seasons to join Pense for the corners, and let JMR patrol center field, with Victorino (I do like the guy) leaving for greener pastures. Dom Brown comes up as the 4th/5th outfielder. Quinten gives the team a decent corner outfielder with 25-35 HR power. Makes the line up more daunting for opposing pitchers. That simple move will take this team over the hump. (Rollins, Polanco, Utley, Howard, Pense, Quinten, Ruiz, Victorino, Pitcher. Rollins/Victorino could flip flop). Wiggington can spell both Howard/Polanco, Nix could spell and outfielder along with JMJ. Wow....— drhoffman
- It's just one game. They win one and lose two. Not reading the Charlie the dunce posts. It's not the manager; they simply don't have the players to win now.— PhillySubsMac
- "they win one and lose two"? They have won 5 out of the last 7 series, maybe you should watch a little closer? — DogBiscuitthedope
- I don't know what some you watch but they don't win 1 lose 2. In the month of May, they are 16-13 and in their last 20 games they are 13-7. Hardly the numbers of a team that goes 1-2 every 3 games.— Dean Winchester
- The only thing I didn't like was using Valdes in the 9th. He's a pretty good LHP option that should be used in close games, not garbage time. Plus Manuel seems to use him a lot so no need to waste him. If Papelbon was Plan B for the 9th, then start with a guy like Qualls and if he gives up runs, Paps is ready to go.— AvoidSundanceVacations
- I have to believe any objective observer would have to admit Cholly is not particularly a great situational manager. He is responsible for several losses already this season and BTW good situational managers get you several wins a season. Having the opportunity to manage some really good teams with great talent with no major player issues has masked his deficiencies. Like it or not he is not the best manger in baseball let alone the PHILLIES organization to manage this team with all the challenges it has.— majpooper
- I have to believe any objective observer would have to admit Cholly is not particularly a great situational manager. He is responsible for several losses already this season and BTW good situational managers get you several wins a season. Having the opportunity to manage some really good teams with great talent with no major player issues has masked his deficiencies. Like it or not he is not the best manger in baseball let alone the PHILLIES organization to manage this team with all the challenges it has.— majpooper
- Really amazing that Manuel thinks he actually helps this team. He doesn't have a clue and as someone said he justs sits there watches the games and looks for someone to BS with. If that is managing then about 90% of the other managers in the league aren't managing. No Cholly you are watching not managing. Do us a favor retire while this team still has a chance to win one of the wildcards.— gates2012
- All the Cholly lovers show up when they win a game. Where were you when his mistakes were costing games?
He is brutal. Maybe not the worst manager in the game but not far behind.— Ssteve115
