Game 75: Facing Pennsylvania's finest
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Game 75: Facing Pennsylvania's finest
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
If the postseason were to begin Monday, one team from Pennsylvania would qualify. Yes, the Pittsburgh Pirates have a slim lead on the second wild card spot. They are 38-33 on the strength of decent pitching and timely hitting. They have won six of their last eight.
Charlie Manuel has made one Phillies lineup switch, inserting Mike Fontenot at second base. It's Fontenot's first start since June 15. He's hitting .333 (18 for 54) in limited action.
The next two days could decide the fate of Fontenot or Michael Martinez. (That's the sort of drama these Phillies are currently reduced to.)
With Chase Utley's return likely Wednesday, one of those players will return to triple-A Lehigh Valley. Both have options and can be demoted without passing through waivers. Martinez plays better defense and can man shortstop if needed. Fontenot is a better hitter.
The lineup against righty Jeff Karstens:
1. Jimmy Rollins 6
2. Juan Pierre 7
3. Hunter Pence 9
4. Carlos Ruiz 2
5. Shane Victorino 8
6. Placido Polanco 5
7. Ty Wigginton 3
8. Mike Fontenot 4
9. Joe Blanton 1
Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.
Comment removed.
Can they send both down and bring someone else up who can field and hit 250 ?
Martinez belongs in single A ball. There has to be a 40 year old over the hill player they can bring in to fit in with the rest of the over the hill gang.— naplesbear- Michael Martinez has no business whatsoever being in the major leagues or the minor leagues for that matter.— weave09
- Martinez was injured for quite a while. He's still looking for his swing, just needs a little more time.
I'm sorry, I can't say that and keep a straight face.— The K Man - He wasn't injured last year. What was his excuse then?
I also question whether he's a better fielder than Fontenot.
Neither one of them is any good. The only advantage Martinez has is that he can play more positions (such as it is). But I'll take Fontenot's bat over Martinez's additional versatility in the field.— SteveS11 - Fontenot can play 2nd, 3rd and short, just can't play the OF. — ESFjellin
- Phils have become a dog and pony show for amusement purposes only... SELL— jmb53
- Mmmmmmm..let me see...Martizez is hitting a robust .139 while Fonteno is barely cracking a .333 batting average. Wow this is a no brainer for the Philles mgt....keep the light hitting Martinez and send down the .333 hitter. With all the offensive prowess on this current 25-man roster, they can afford to keep a .139 hitter, right? Because Utley the savior is heading back to town albight 3 months later than expected when Spring training began....you all remember the company line....."we're taking it easy on Chase to save him for the regular season".....2nd half that is. So glad we get to start our season AFTER the all star break...lol.— drhoffman
- MMart is what, 2 for his last 36? Call Steve Jeltz and see if he is available.— ESFjellin
- Nah...I'd rather have Kevin Stocker than Jeltz. — SteveS11
- team needs 2/3 next 3 series or they will be buried.
And Martinez should NEVER start, shoulda been PH yest with bases loaded and 2 outs.
— WFChamps - well, they play 4 against the Pirates, so if they can take 3 of 4 that would be good. — ESFjellin
- If I didn't know better I would think Martinez and Pence have a bet to see who can strike out fastest/on the least number of pitches. As hard as Marttinez tries, Pence is still the fastest. //— Al n SD
- I still hate the friggin Pirates...— outta work
- Absolutely no reason to keep Martinez ....— Foundry Guy
