Manuel: We'll Be Ready
Charlie Manuel talks to reporters today.
Manuel: We'll Be Ready
Todd Zolecki
(YONG KIM / Staff Photographer)
Charlie Manuel talked with reporters today during a teleconference. Here is some of what he said:
Q: Many of your players left the clubhouse last night upset. Are you concerned at all about their ability to refocus tomorrow night?
A: I know we're going to be ready to play. We come to ballpark and we're going to concentrate on winning tomorrow's game. That's all that's important to us. That's all we're thinking about. We've got 3 1/2 innings of baseball. We get to bat four times. They get to bat three. We get 12 outs. They get nine. We are definitely coming with the mindset that we're going to win that game. And that's all we want to be focused on. I feel like that our team will be the same way. I'll go around tomorrow and I'll talk to all of our players. I'll get a feel for what they're thinking. And I'll look them in the eye and talk about things and we'll make sure that we're ready to go. I don't think there's going to be any problem at all. I think that we've been resilient now for the last couple years, and I think we know exactly where we're going and what we want to do. We're going to be ready.
Manuel said he absolutely would not use one of his starters tomorrow night. He might need them for Games 6 and 7. This is going to be a bullpen game. Manuel would not say who he would pitch, and I don't blame him. No reason to tip off the competition.
Comments (70)
go get em charlie! go phils! lets win a championship tomorrow night.— Bob65S- It is too bad that Manuel didn't vocalize what a joke it was that the game was even played last night. Or that the top of the 6th inning was allowed to be played.— glennboe
- i think we will get a more sincere answer out of manuel after the series. he can't rip anyone yet bc it could hurt the team.— timm2
- I second that, Bob!— gbrettfan
- 28 years. What is one more day?— Beef69
- didn't he mean to say, "we will come to the ballpark with the intent of winning last night's game."?— jeff gross
- yea, we definitely have the advantage, i just hope the players know that, we gotta come out strong, and whoever is pinch hitting needs to start off the game right.— robm0202
- Glennboe, He would have gotten fined big time by Selig for coming out and saying anything. I think his refual to talk to the press last night spoke volumes.— bobbyuk
- jeff....I sent you the "scathing" email. Titled, "Ask and ye shall receive". Sorry there wasn't more juicy stuff about the sports bar. But then again, we weren't there long enough to cause any trouble. LOL! There WERE a couple of cop cars parked outside all night, though. "Just in case."— Norma
- So who do you think leads off? Dobbs? How does it work - I assume Maddon has to put his team on the field, including the pitcher... If Manuel runs Dobbs up there, can Maddon change pitchers before the inning starts? Currently Balfour (RHP) is in, right? And if Maddon switches after Dobbs is announced, Dobbs will still hit I assume - can't waste Dobbs. What do you think? Certainly if the inning gets to Utley a lefty will be in.— NJLouis66
- Well, who can blame the players for leaving the clubhouse "upset"? P***ed off is more like it! Who can blame them after that fiasco? Wonder who or what they were upset with. The weather itself? The umps for not calling the game sooner? MLB for even letting the game start? Or even Charlie, himself. According to the paper, he and Maddon both had a say in starting the game. Of course, they had no say on when it was called.— Norma
- thanks for mail norma— jeff gross
- I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a score in the bottom of the sixth and a big effort from the bullpen so Cole can get the win. Not only would that be crazy to get a win for having pitched two days ago, but he deserves it.— AMC4232
- NJLouis, I'd put in Stairs against Balfour, but that's just me. I thought it was hilarious that Pat Burrell said "I only talk to reporters after games" and walked away, since the game wasn't really over!— bd1979
- Whoever is on the mound for the Rays has to throw a pitch before they can be replaced. So, if they lead with a lefty and the Phils send up Coste, that pitcher has to throw to Coste at least once.— Bake McBride
- bottom of the 9th tomorrow night.. "the 2-1 pitch to utley, swing and a base hit into center field!!!...here comes j-roll...the play at the plate....he is.....SAFE.....AND THE PHILLIES ARE THE WORLD CHAMPIONS!!! CHASE UTLEY YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!— cmp4668
- Bake, the pitcher doesn't have to throw to anyone before being replaced. It's the middle of a game, not the first inning.— jeff gross
- You have dobbs PH to try to get a baserunner. you don't need a HR in this situation. (a HR would be great, but Stairs either hits a HR or strikes out. At least Dobbs puts the ball in play)— jeff gross
- romero, not eyre— jb99
- o— jeff gross
- A ball in play would be the same as a strike out w/ no one on. So put in Stairs.— steakhead
- Question....How would Cole get the win? I thought whoever is pitching when we re-take the lead, would get the win. I heard that Balfour is definitely re-starting the game. Put in Stairs.— Norma
- Norma, Hamels is technically still in the game. He is due to lead off the 6th. He will certainly be pinch hit for, but any runs scored that inning would make him the pitcher of record until another pitcher starts the top of the 7th.— NJLouis66
- cmp4668.....LOVE your scenario! Only Chase's hit will go into the right field corner. Maybe it will even clear the fence! How awesome would a walk-off homer, on a full count, with two outs, be to win a championship!!!— Norma
- I hope the Phils bust this thing wide open and give the pen some breathing room. Remember, we start with a PH and then the top of the order. The Rays start with 6-7-8. I'd love to see the Phils jump out immediately.— NJLouis66
- Totally forgot the game was called before we came up to bat in the 6th. Remember, I was at a sports bar brinking $2 beers. LOL! Thanks for the reminder, NJLouis66.— Norma
- Thanks for that tidbit Shake N Bake ;) Didn't even think of that.— MFPhils
- NJ, and we need a run so Hamels can be the first starter with 5 wins!!!!!— MFPhils
- That Chase Utley scenario sounds nice. But here's the one I prefer: Lidge on the mound in the top of the 9th with a multiple-run lead. 9 pitches, strike out the side. That would make me very happy.— NJLouis66
- That Chase Utley scenario sounds nice. But here's the one I prefer: Lidge on the mound in the top of the 9th with a multiple-run lead. 9 pitches, strike out the side. That would make me very happy.— NJLouis66
- NJ knowing the Phils, we will be on the edge of our seat, defending a 1 run lead as Lidge pounds away at the mound. But that sigh of relief is worth it all, ain't it? Especially this time...— MFPhils
"Whoever is on the mound for the Rays has to throw a pitch before they can be replaced" Who told you that?— COskier- I thought that was the rule too...Guess I goofed as well. Thought once a pitcher was put in the game, they needed to pitch to at least one batter..Are you sure that ain't right?— MFPhils
- I thought that was the rule too...Guess I goofed as well. Thought once a pitcher was put in the game, they needed to pitch to at least one batter..Are you sure that ain't right?— MFPhils
- In light of all of the weather controversy, there is one play that deserves some talking up that should not get lost in everything else. How about that AMAZING double play Utley turned by tagging the runner, spinning completely around and nipping the runner at first? That guy is just unbelievable.— NJLouis66
NJLouis: I'm with you on Lidge sealing the deal. I'd just as soon there not be a bottom of the 9th. Maybe for some extra excitement, we're up by a run, 2 on, and Longoria hits a long ball to deep left center... CAUGHT at the wall by Shane Victorino! The Phillies are WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!— bobby- NJLouis: I'm with you on Lidge sealing the deal. I'd just as soon there not be a bottom of the 9th. Maybe for some extra excitement, we're up by a run, 2 on, and Longoria hits a long ball to deep left center... CAUGHT at the wall by Shane Victorino! The Phillies are WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!— bobby
- NJLouis: I'm with you on Lidge sealing the deal. I'd just as soon there not be a bottom of the 9th. Maybe for some extra excitement, we're up by a run, 2 on, and Longoria hits a long ball to deep left center... CAUGHT at the wall by Shane Victorino! The Phillies are WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!— bobby
- I have no idea why the 3 posts. Rain maybe??— bobby
- NJLouis.....I like that Lidge scenario, too. Problem is, with "a multiple-run lead", he wouldn't be on the mound. LOL! And I totally agree with you about Chase's double play! Definitely the highlight of the game. Everyone here knows that Chase is "my boy". And as much as I love to see him taking extra bases, I love his defense even more. Anyone know how errors factor into winning a Gold Glove? His error count, this season, was his highest, yet. But he also made some incredible plays in the field to off-set them. Saved extra base hits (and games) multiple times.— Norma
- Also, the top of the sixth inning last night could've been worse. That Longoria fly ball to end it was an adventure for Victorino. If it falls in the Rays go ahead.— PYW
- Re: the posts about Balfour having to throw a pitch. Bake you are correct if Balfour was just entering the game in the top of the 6th, but he already has thrown a pitch, he pitched in the bottom of the 5th. Therefore once the PH is announced Maddon can then make a pitching change if he would like.— Espo
- Normally you would be right there Norma, as it was in Game 4... But I think with clinching the WS on the line, if it's a 1-run lead or a 10-run lead, Lidge is on the hill!— NJLouis66
- For all who are tired of hearing about the great Rays atarting pitching here's something to think about. Game #1 Kazmir, 6 IP, 109 pitches … Game #2 Shields 5 2/3 IP, 100 pitches … Game #3 Garza 6 IP, 102 pitches … Game #4 Sonnanstine 4 IP, 88 pitches … Game #5 Kazir, 4 IP, 103 pitches. Yet all you hear about is how bad the Phils are doing with RISP. I think the Phils are doing a fantastic job of getting their starting pitching out of the game while plating enough runs to win the game. All season long they have proved RISP to be overrated.— Wally 24
- I don't know...I think I'd rather have the extra run then the extra at bat... They should have reverted back to the end of the Fifth. But I have faith. The Phillies do well when their backs are against the wall. They're angry and they don't want to go back to Tampa.— FenianBustard
- That makes sense Espo - thanks. This will be so unusual to watch. It will feel like the start of a game, but all of the late-game plotting and scheming will be in full effect from the get-go. I wonder who will pitch the top of the 7th? Navarro is a switch-hitter, followed by two right-handers, then the pitcher's spot. Chad Durbin maybe? Or does he go right to Madson? Here's a crazy thought - if it's rained out again tomorrow, might Blanton start things off on Thursday?— NJLouis66
- Please not Durbin. Poor guy is toasted right now. Condrey and Blanton are the only two righties left besides Madson. If the weather is going to be as bad as some have said it may end up being Hamels.— Wally 24
- I think Madson could do 1 1/2 and Lidge could finish it up...The two could definitely pull it off. The weather is going to make it harder on their arms though..30's...geez— MFPhils
- GOOD NIGHT Philly Phans, The Trop is ALWAYS dry ALWYS 72 degrees and always has COMPLETED games. Stay WARM and DRY philly phans. See you at the Trop in a few days!!!!!!!!!— RaysJ
- Bake, Balfour is on the mound, and he DOES NOT have to throw a pitch...he was in the game, and has already throw pitches, he isn't just entering at this point. Only if he was just entering would he have to throw a pitch. Once the Phils announce the LH PH, they will change to a LHP...probably Price, so Phils may announce Jenkins, have them change pitchers then PH Bruntlett or Taguchi or the announced PH.— phillybob
- The 'Trop' is dry for sure. As in, dull. Good news for the Tampa crowd though: The Donny & Marie concert can go on as scheduled this week. The series will be over tomorrow.— bobby
- CAN ANYONE LIVING NEAR THE BALLPARK TELL ME IF ITS EVEN STILL RAINING RIGHT NOW? I DONT THINK IT IS AND THEY COULD HAVE TOTALLY PLAYED 2NITE, BUT THE TV NETWORK PROBABLY MADE THEM DECIDE EARLY TO KEEP THERE PRECIOUS TV SCHEDULE!!! ITS CRAZY! NOW TOMORROW IT WILL PROBABLY BE ACTUALLY RAINING AT GAME TIME AND THEY WILL TRY TO SQUEEZE IT IN....IM SOOOOO MAD!!!!!!!— Clinton, NJ
- What If: The game doesn't resume 'til Friday night? Would Hamels stay in to pitch? As for the pinch-hitter situation, I'm not sure that Balfour has to actually throw a pitch before being removed...And I hope Charlie wouldn't fall into the trap of wasting any of our left-handed pinch-hitters that early in the game... If it's not Hamels, my prediction is that it'll be Madsen to start the 7th (no brainer?) - I think it's 6,7 & 8 for the Rays, right? While this is all very crazy and stressful, we do have a World Series to win in Philly this week - The pressure is still on the Rays... Go Phils! PK— PhillyTheKid
- this is what i would do if they play tomorrow night. i'm sure cole is supposed to throw some in the bullpen between starts. i would have him "warming up" before the game as if he is going to come in, then have him stand in the on deck circle as the rays take the field. then as they are ready to resume....call back from the circle and announce the pinch hitter. there would be plenty of time for which ever reliever is going to come in to warm up while the phils bat. it would just be interesting what the initial reaction of the rays players if they thought cole might come back out.— timm2
- We're scoring two runs in the 6th, Madson will pitch two and Lidge pitches the ninth, we're World Champs by 10:00- more time to party. This series ends in Game 5. GO PHILS!!!— KMG
- I'd love for the Phils to score five runs in the 6th, the Phils bullpen shuts down the Rays, and Joe Buck and Tim McCarver take turns spooning Joe Maddon, B.J. Upton, and Evan Longoria in order to console them because they just lost the World Series. Go Phils!!!— MrPhillie
- Clinton....At the time of your post, it was still raining pretty decently here in Drexel Hill. About 10 miles from the ballpark. And the wind is just now letting up a little. I think they made the right call. As much as I'd like this to finish, I would really prefer they wait and finish the game on Thurs. Even if there's no rain tomorrow night, it's still supposed to be really windy with a wind chill in the 30's or 40's. Not only will the cold affect the pitching, but how the fielders handle the ball. But it will affect BOTH teams, so I guess they just need to s**k it up and play.— Norma
- RaysJ....The Trop might be warm, but it sure is ugly! LOL! Couldn't your city at least have built it with a retractable roof?! Baseball is a summer sport, to be played outdoors. And despite the *comfortable* conditions, and the Rays doing so well all season, you still averaged less than 50% attendance. Pathetic!— Norma
- They should take that last run away from the Rays and replay the whole inning I don't think the league wants the Phillies to win.Why did they wait for the Rays to score before they called the game?— JimmyHobbers
- A fitting end to this World Series would be some giant innings in the bottom of the sixth, seventh, and eighth, and have the game end somewhere around 15-2. The Rays end up humiliated, Selig ends up with egg on his face, Buck and McCarver end up with shoes in their mouths, the Phils get the trophy, and we get the parade.— Mike H.
- C'mon guys, wake up, it's a beautiful day for a baseball game. We are 9 outs away from a championship. Hard to believe Harry.— jimmymack
- jimmymack: That's 9 outs... and 1 run. LET'S GO PHILS!!!!— bobby
- Norma: Last I heard, the wind chill tonight will be 29 degrees.— bobby
- Wrong Bake. Balfour was already in the game, Maddon can change pitchers no matter who the Phillies send up to pinch hit for Hamels. Send up Jenkins to pinch hit and then if Maddon pulls Balfour for a lefty we have to go with Taguchi. That way we have Dobbs and Stairs for later in the game.— bigtbone
- We can also leave Hammels in to bat. That way we have one out with Rollins up and either Balfour pitching or Maddon went for Price and we haven't wasted a pinch hitter. The question being will maddon bring in Price if its to face Switch hiting Rollins, Werth and Utley??— jeff gross
- Just think what a great story this will make when the Phils are World Series champs. Two games in the "Thunderdome" ala the worst ballpark then the Mother Nature games. One game ending at 1:47 a.m. and the other ending approx. 48 hours later! And as an added chapter the 1st pitcher to hit a HR since 1974! GO PHILS!!— KarenA
- Jeff: Maybe you can explain again your logic in letting Hamels bat? Or were you joking again? It's really hard to tell.— bobby
- Also did anyone notice that during Monday night's debacle game, the knuckleheads Joe Buck & McCarver said something to the effect that the weather seemed to have quieted the Philly fans. Not even a minute later the fans started cheering and weaving the rally towels (I think we were at bat) WE HAVE THE BEST FANS!— KarenA
- Yeah, I was wondering about those rally towels in the rain. Man, I would hate to get nailed in the eye with the end of a wet rally towel. Ouch.— bobby
- We have the advantage tonight. We got twelve outs and they only have nine. Our top of the order have a chance to bat twice while we have to face Upton, Peña and Longoria only once if everything goes well. I will lead off Jenkins, and replace him with Coste when Maddon brings a lefty (Price) and bring Eyre to pitch to Navarro, and have Madson comming in after that and Romero warming up. The following comment was meant for yesterday, but had trouble with my phone connection. This is the worst postseason ever, other than the Phillies winning. First you have TBS losing the signal for almost 30 minutes (when we played Milwaukee) during the pre-game show, then some Comcast subscribers were blackout of 25 minutes on game 3 (me included) and missed the back to back homers by Utley and Howard, the umpiring has been the worst I've ever seen and then Selig screwed game five and possibly the whole series for the Phillies. If he has any dignity, he should resign after the WS. He had no business starting game five with the Weather report, and then continuing the game after the 5th inning. But obviously he wanted to extend the series as much as possible. I guess he did not learn after messing up the All Star game a couple of years ago. A Phillies win tonight will only help save him from one of the biggest blunders in MLB history, in my opinion.— EL Zorro
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