Phillies Roll On
The Phillies didn't scored 15 runs last night, which pretty much means they're in a slump. Or not.
Phillies Roll On
Todd Zolecki
It looked like the Phillies might put up another 20-spot on the Colorado Rockies after they scored seven runs in the first two innings last night in a 7-4 victory.
But then they cooled.
Slackers.
"I was looking forward to getting to 10," Jimmy Rollins said. "But more importantly, we held on and got the win."
The Phillies have scored 42 runs in their last three games, matching the most they have scored in three since they piled on 44 runs against the New York Giants from April 28 to May 1, 1900. The Phillies also scored 42 runs in three straight games against the Pittsburgh Pirates from July 30 to Aug. 2, 1932, and 42 against the Pirates and Chicago Cubs from July 1 to 3, 1999.
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In the Phillies Notebook: Adam Eaton tries to follow his best start in a Phillies uniform, at least according to Charlie Manuel. A sign of better things to come? Or just another mirage? Eaton needs to start pitching better because the Phillies were encouraged by Kris Benson's start yesterday in an extended spring training game in Clearwater. Should Benson continue to progress and Eaton revert back to prior form, Eaton's spot in the rotation is in jeopardy.
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David Montgomery's position hasn't changed: He won't name Pat Gillick's successor until after the season.
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Manuel didn't think Pat Burrell's stiff neck is serious. We'll see if he's in the lineup tonight in the series finale against the Rockies.
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So I need a little help. I understand fans boo in Philadelphia. I have no problem with that. But somebody explain why fans booed Tom Gordon like he was Jose Mesa's less talented younger brother in the eighth inning last night? Gordon entered 4-1 with a 1.83 ERA and one save since Opening Day. But then he started getting knocked around by the Rockies and fans really got on him. This wasn't "come-on-dude-just-get-out-of-the-inning" boos. These were "you-freakin-suck-Gordon-I-hate-you" boos. Gordon entered with a runner on and one out and a six-run lead. He left with a four-run lead. Like I said, I'm OK booing a player, but this time it seemed a little over the top. It's not like the Phillies were in real danger of losing the game. If this was a one-run game and Gordon came in pitched like that, yes, boo the hell out of him. But are these fans not aware that Gordon has been money for most of the season?
"But somebody explain why fans booed Tom Gordon like he was Jose Mesa's less talented younger brother in the eighth inning last night?" Easy. He's black. It's why Philly fans want to trade Ryan Howard and why they never liked Donovan McNabb. There's a natural suspicion of African-American athletes in this town and when they screw up, it gives the fans their opportunity to vent their anger that a black man is making more money than them.— tightlines- I was away from the TV, just kind of listening in background, when I heard the boo's, rushed back in thinking he gave up a 3 run homer or something. Other than opening day, Gordon, plus Lidge and Romaro, have been lights out. Don't understand it either, very unfair. Short memories, I guess. He has been one of our best pickups since we got him, despite some rough spots, but what reliever doesn't have them?— jimmymack
- Weren't the boos after the rain delay? No excuse, but perhaps the fans that were left were pissed to have to wait for an inning and a half after waiting an hour and a half. I agree there is no reason to boo Gordon who has frankly been much better than expected as has the entire bullpen. It's also possible that after an hour and a half many of the remaining fans were drunk.— James TL
- Weren't the boos after the rain delay? No excused but perhaps the remaining fans were angry after waiting an hour and a half to watch an inning and a half. I agree there is no reason to boo Gordon who along with the rest of the bullpen has been better than expected this season. Perhaps the remaining fans had a chance to get drunk during the rain delay. No excuse for it though...— James TL
Comment removed.- I was very upset at the fans last night when they booed Gordon. He has been rock solid since his first appearance and the boos were absolutely uncalled for. The only explaination I could think of was that the fans were either uneducated or just mad about the rain and needed to let out some steam. Way to point that out Zo.— davemarsh
- Been following the team very closely since 1995. Phillie's fans definitely play favorites. They say if you bust your butt on the field, and play hard, they will not boo you. NOT TRUE. Can you honestly tell me with a straight face that TOM GORDON doesn't bust his butt out there? There is something more, it goes deeper. I can't quite put my finger on it.— Leron
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I totally agree on the booing of Gordon last night. Old habits are hard to break I guess. I actually think it was kind of a boomarang reaction to all the offensive prowess the Phils have shown lately. In reality, if there's a guy the fans should be chering this year (and there are plenty) it's Tom Gordon. He has really shown good stuff this year, and he strikes me as a guy who actually gives a damn about how he performs.— bobby- Gordan makes me nervous every time he enters a game, period.— dksurf
- The fans boo because there is a large, vocal group made of morons. They are a living, breathing cliche. No grasp of the situation or reality. They boo based on what amounts to hearsay, perception rather than fact. I sit with many smart fans in our section but the ones you hear are the ones that yell "Burrell, you suck" when Pat takes the field before the first pitch on the top of the first. The idiots seem to take pride in the "toughness" of the fans versus the intelligence. Sad. Gordon has deserved boos in the past. Last night, no.— Joe in Haddonfield
- While I don't think the booing of Tom Gordon last night was deserved, I understand why the fans have him on such a short leash. They (and I) remember all too clearly the problems at the beginning of last season, when he kept saying he was healthy, and it turned out he wasn't. Add in his high-visibility meltdown on Opening Day this year and you can understand why fans are quick to turn on him at the least sign of a problem.— Lynn58
- Is anybody out there as concerned as I am about this Adam Eaton/Kris Benson situation? This is distressing on many levels. Somebody has got to explain it to me. We are waiting for a reclamation project, Benson, to take over the 5th spot from Eaton, like that is going to solidify our rotation? First of all, how many more lousy starts from Eaton will this team need to withstand(and how many losses will we absorb) before Benson is ready? Even if Benson takes over, what will he be able to give us? All these reports make it sound like once Benson is healthy we are in business. What if Benson keeps having setbacks and never makes it to the majors this year? Does that mean that Eaton will stay in the 5th spot for the entire season? Also, you mean to tell me that we have no starting pitcher in our entire organization who can give us more than Eaton is right now or who is a better option than Benson in the near future? If this is how our we are going to stock our starting rotation, I suggest we keep scoring 15 or 20 runs on a consistent basis.— bski
- It would be nice and encouraging if Eaton gives the Phils what I think would be there first sweep of the season.— KarenA
- It is interesting. I was raised in south NJ and grew up a Philly sports fan. I still am. I love my Philly teams, even when they suck. The Phillies have a special place in my heart. 13 years ago I moved to Georgia due to work. I refused to support the Braves (unless they play the Mets or someone ahead of us in the standings). But it is refreshing to be outside of the Deleware Valley and not be drinking the kool aid. In some respects I have learned to hate Philadelphia sports fans. Do I think they get a bad rap? Yeah, to a certain degree (hey, did you see that Santa? They had every right to boo!), but you know what? They also deserve it. Booing a guy who gives up a few runs when you have a 6 run lead is sad. Philly fans have the memory of a fly. My Mom, after the second game of the Pittsburg series was totally ripping Biron, even after he made such great saves in the previous two series. I hate that! One reason I like to read this blog and the comments are because it is usually fair and the comments are thought out, not some knee jerk reaction.— Deb in Dixie
