Game 41: Another, uh, makeshift lineup
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Game 41: Another, uh, makeshift lineup
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
ST. LOUIS -- The task is no easier Tuesday. Jaime Garcia, the talented 24-year-old lefthander, faces the feeble Phillies offense. Garcia has the third-best ERA in the National League at 1.89. The Phillies have 12 hits in their last three games.
And with Shane Victorino still out because of a sore right hamstring and Raul Ibanez out of the lineup because Garcia is tough against lefties, Charlie Manuel is forced to field yet another unconventional lineup:
1. Jimmy Rollins 6
2. Michael Martinez 8
3. Placido Polanco 5
4. Ryan Howard 3
5. John Mayberry Jr. 7
6. Ben Francisco 9
7. Wilson Valdez 4
8. Dane Sardinha 2
9. Roy Oswalt 1
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The Braves already won today. When the Phils get one run again, and Roy tires, the teams will be tied by 10PM. It is so sad to see the above batting order and think they will beat the Cards. Again, Little Roy would have to pitch a NO No and then be asked, did we win???— Koons- SMH head at Michael Martinez batting 2nd — Kenny Junod.
- Ugh, this getting to be pretty awful to watch.— NJtoWS
- Michael Martinez should not even be in the major leagues; they think this kid is another Victorino? Martinez can't hit a ball out of the infield!
Also, Valdez should NEVER bat 2nd; no reason for it at all!— JBinPA - If this game were in Philly, they should charge 1/2 price because 1/2 the roster is essentially AAA material.— DennyP
- I half expect to see Randall Simon and Russell Branyan penciled into tomorrow's lineup.— Jeffrey
- I think it should click now with Sardinha in the 8 hole protecting Valdez.— dasher
- I don't know HOW, and I don't know WHEN...BUT!...Things WILL get better for Our Fightins! All of those that have given up on this team raise your cowardly, be-warted hands....yeah, I thought so, you, you and YOU over there ....turn in your red T-shirts on the way out...yeah, you too lady..WHAT?!?...shoulda thought about THAT before hon!...get it OFF, and get OUT! (Damn I hate the mouthy ones!) There are ups and downs with every season isn't there? Do not despair folks, this will still be a Division Winner. Whether or not we go any further depends on situational pitching...and a few runs of offensive support for these A+ pitchers. GO FIGHTINS!!!— TBear
- Ha! Animal House is way more entertaining than this substandard lineup. — Steve Jeltz
- Of course it will get better, it can't get much worse. The offense is terrible and Cholly likes to give away games with substandard relief pitchers that could easily be substituted for young guys that can pitch and even learn from the aces (Vance Worley) — ielliottm
- And the whole country gets to see this AAA+ lineup on MLB Network's game-of-the-week!— tomvallar
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