Silent Bats Are Deafening
The Phillies got shutout last night at Citizens Bank Park, 2-0, as the offense continues its slide.
Silent Bats Are Deafening
Todd Zolecki
"We have an excellent offensive team." - Pat Burrell
How to look at the Phillies' offense?
It's second in the National League in scoring? Or it has been shutout six times?
It's an offense with a tremendous track record and should turn around? Or it has been in a slump for a month and it's time to worry?
"We've got a lot of good players," Burrell said last night after a 2-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. "Maybe it's that time of year when guys are tired or whatever, but there's no excuse. We've got to go out there and play."
Charlie Manuel brought up a possibility in Texas a couple weeks ago that maybe some of his players are just having down years. Or maybe they had career years the past couple seasons and this year they are returning to their normal production levels.
The Phillies have hit just .238 and averaged just 4.3 runs per game since they were a season-high 13 games over .500 on June 8. Before that they had hit .263 and averaged 5.3 runs per game. So they're averaging a run less per game since they reached their highest point of the season. That doesn't sound like much, but it is. Remember that the Phillies scored 20 runs against the Cardinals on June 13. Take that game out of the equation and the Phillies have averaged just 3.7 runs per game since June 8.
That's a month of poor production from the offense.
Consider the San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals are the two worst offenses in the National League this season. They have averaged 3.7 runs per game and 3.6 runs per game, respectively.
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The Phillies still think they can help their team despite the fact CC Sabathia and Rich Harden are off the market.
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Bob Ford isn't into this whole online voting/texting thing for the all-star game.
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In the Phillies Notebook, Tom Gordon could be out a while.
Comments (47)
"I think we can win with what we have," Arbuckle said. "Ideally, we'd like to upgrade. It doesn't make sense to make a move just to make a move." "Win" what, the World Series? Yeah right. Not "ideally" sport, you HAVE to upgrade. Talk about not seeing the forest for the trees. He just lost my vote to replace Gillick.— jimmymack
Good point, jimmymack. Arbuckle saying "ideally" reminds me of the line in Seinfeld when George tries to get his car out the the parking lot and the parking guy says it's in the back and they can't get it out for 2 or 3 days. George comes back with, "What are you talking about? This is a parking lot. People are supposed to be able to get their cars!" The parking guy responds calmly: "Ideally." That made me laugh out loud. The Phillies situation right now, not so much.— bobby- I think the Phils really need to do something with this line up. If I have to see Ruiz come to the plate one more time with the bases loaded. Bat Ruiz 9th. The pitcher has a better shot to get a hit than Ruiz. This teams brakes your heart every year, and this year will be no different. But I just want to say thanks to the managment, Cubs get Harden, Milwaukee gets Sabathia, Phils get Swindle. Thanks!!— Beef69
- Does anyone else find it infuriating that a team that refuses to offer more than 3 years to any pitcher is constantly searching for starting pitching every offseason, and every trade deadline? Perhaps if you pony up a little, someone decent might be willing to pitch for you. I would think that after 130 years, and only four pitchers, historically, that were truly GREAT (Grover Cleveland Alexander, Robin Roberts, Steve Carlton, Curt Schilling), they would have learned that GREAT pitching is more important to a team than anything. Especially when you consider that they have never made it to a World Series without one of those four guys...1915 (Grover), 1950 (Roberts), 1980 & 1983 (Lefty), 1993 (Schill). This franchise is beyond moronic. The MLB poster-child for why pitching matters so much, in any era, always, and yet, will not admit the obvious.— acerulli
- Oh, yeah, and let's not forget the organizational hitting philosophy: "Everyone go up there and swing as hard as you can anything close. Eventually you will get a fastball, and you might hit a home run!" This team flat out strikes out to much.— acerulli
So where is Howard Eskin when we need him? Recall his confrontaion with Charley last year that seemed to wake up the club. Seriously though, the Mets fired their manager and seem to have new life now. The Phils need a wake-up shake-up right now. Apparently sending Myers down to Lehigh wasn't enough of a catalyst. I propose three moves to get everyone's collective attention. 1. Send Ruiz to Lehigh, bring up Lou Marson. 2. Release So Taguchi, replace him with anyone that has a pulse. 3. Trade Victorino or Werth in a package deal to either bring in a decent pitcher or Aron Rowand. I'd also include Geoff Jenkins in the festivities, but at $6MM a year, we are stuck with him. Same with Adam Eaton, he deserves to go, but being so overpriced, we can't move him or cut him.— RAS- Phillies Hitters, take note: Runners on. Pitcher needs a double play. He's going to throw you stuff low and outside. DON'T TRY TO PULL IT OR YOU WILL HIT INTO A DOUBLE PLAY. It's a strategy as old as Abner Doubleday's jock strap. I think it's time for Milt Thompson to get fired. Not because it makes a big difference, but it might wake some of these hitters up. They are not going to the plate with a plan, an awareness of how to hit in the majors. And I loved, loved Howard's bunt attempt.— Joe in Haddonfield
- It's being reported today that since Arizona lost Eric Byrnes for the season, they are having serious discussions about Barry Bonds. They must really be desperate for OF help -and- they are loaded with pitching. Maybe they would consider Jenkins at the bargain price of $6MM? Wouldn't that be sweet? Get on the phone Pat!— RAS
- Did you see what happened in the 2nd inning last night? It was something I haven't seen all year. Ruiz came up with runners on (this time with the bases loaded), and grounded into an inning-ending double play! No really, it happened. Can you believe it? FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, please send this guy down to Triple-A so he can reunite with his old battery-mate Myers. Bring up the kid, Marson. He CANNOT POSSIBLY be worse. Even if he hits .200, he still can't ground into as many double plays as Ruiz. 11 ALREADY THIS YEAR! ELEVEN!!!!!!!!!!— kev
- Joe, I COMPLETELTY agree. Thompson needs to go. I think it would make a difference, provided they bring in someone who knew how to hit, and not, say...Micky Morandini. These guys do not put enough quality at-bats together. Too often with men on base, they give away strikes, give away at-bats, and let pitchers off the hook. And someone needs to realize that no matter how many home runs you hit, you should NOT be swinging for the fences with two strikes (unless you are Pat Burrell, up in the bottom of the ninth representing the tying run. Then, yes, you should be trying to hit it out and tie the game).— acerulli
- MILT THOMPSON must go!!! I agree and made the same point yesterday Joe... The simple truth is this is a hitters park. A-list pitchers simply don't want to pitch here when they can pitch elsewhere for the same money money. The Phillies will have to overpay for pitching, something they are unwilling to do (unless its a former draft pick by the name of Eaton). This team is done for as long as this ownership is involved. This was all so predictable. From Howard playing the way he is, to the Myers implosion, to the lack of leadership, to Gordon going down in flames(it will hurt as time goes on), to Utley sitting in the dugout making strange faces(did anyone notice saying Mitch Williams saying what a locker room chump he is on CSN last night, no one writes on that one though)This will never be Utley's team!!! I was really surprised Lidge signed that offer. He really received bad advice, he is easily worth 5/55 on the open market. I believe he and his agent know something the Phillies don't.— Truth
- When the bases are loaded and there's one out, who you gonna call? If you're the opposing pitcher, it's gotta be Carlos Ruis, better known as "The Inning Ender." Yeah, let's keep grooming him for the future.— bobby
- Kev, I agree it is time to give Marson a look, but doesn't anyone find it strange that the whole offense is struggling to score, and somehow the #8 hitter is the fall guy? Where is the scrutiny of Jimmy Rollins's poor play, or the fact that benching him did no good at all...he still isn't running out his pop-ups or ground balls. Charlie needs to rearrange the line-up, but not the goofy way he likes to. Victorino should lead-off, and Rollins should bat 2. And Burrell should be hitting IN FRONT OF Ryan Howard. He should have been there for the last two years! Howard batting behind Utley, and ahead of Burrell, is just stupid.— acerulli
- Maybe the Phils will pull a rabbit out of the hat and find either another Lohse or land Burnett or Bedard. Trying to have a little faith during this frustrating time. Ruiz could definitely use some remedial batting practice. I will say this about him when he does those splits behind the plate I'm amazed at his flexibility.— KarenA
- Personally, I'd like to see them make a run at Roy Oswalt. I know Ed Wade says the Astros aren't selling, but they are in last place, their season is over, and the owner is going to smack some sense into Eddie eventually. I know Oswalt is pitching a little hurt, but I think his numbers are hurt more by the Astros telling him not to strike guys out, to pitch to contact. Get him cheap (cause Ed Wade can't make trades), and tell him to pitch HIS game.— acerulli
- Someone definitely needs to whip Rollins/Victorino into shape. Gary Matthews even commented on Rollins not waiting for "his pitch" and all the ground outs/pop-ups. As I mentioned previously, I was thinking that maybe the pitching staff/Moyer/Hamels/bullpen should conduct a meeting saying we've been working our butts off for you guys now give us some run support!!— KarenA
- Maybe they should sit Jimmy down and play Bruntlett from now until the break. Perhaps that will make a point to the team... MVP or no MVP, you will play hard, you will play smart, or you will play bench warmer. Jimmy, get over yourself, stop trying to hit 30 home runs, start pulling the top hand over over and hitting line drives like you used, and get back to being the catalyst of this team!— acerulli
- When the bases are loaded and there's one out, who you gonna call? If you're the opposing pitcher, it's gotta be Carlos Ruis, better known as "The Inning Ender." Yeah, let's keep grooming him for the future.— bobby
- I think Brad Lidge should start beaning his teammates with 97 mph fastballs every time they have a bad at-bat.— acerulli
- It's sooooo frustrating for us fans. From the Phillies brass perspective (1)we're in 1st place, (2) we're on pace for record attendance, (3) we're on pace for record revenue. Given those facts what is the urgency for them to "do something"? The Phils will likely sell out each game this week heading into the All-Star break. What evidence is there that Phillies fans are not ecstatic about the teams performance? Since when do wins and losses count? Remember this team is run by Monty and Giles who hire todies like Gillick, Amaro and Arbuckle to tow the company line. Sorry guys, we are our own worst enemies because we make it very easy for the Phils to do nothing about their on the field performance.— jrquixote
- Maybe the Phillies have been facing better pitching as of late. Not the awful pitchers of teams like the Senators.— Calvin Jones & the 13th Apostle
- Maybe the Phillies have been facing better pitching as of late. Not the awful pitchers of teams like the Senators.— Calvin Jones & the 13th Apostle
- "Maybe the Phillies have been facing better pitching as of late." ... Right, the kind of pitching you see every night in the playoffs. So what reason is there to believe that if they win the division again, it will be anything other than 0-3, one and done again? If you can't hit good pitching, then October becomes a REAL short month. And if you don't have good pitching, then just cross October off the calendar, because that month does not apply to your team.— acerulli
- "Maybe the Phillies have been facing better pitching as of late." ... Right, the kind of pitching you see every night in the playoffs. So what reason is there to believe that if they win the division again, it will be anything other than 0-3, one and done again? If you can't hit good pitching, then October becomes a REAL short month. And if you don't have good pitching, then just cross October off the calendar, because that month does not apply to your team.— acerulli
- Utley is batting .241 with 1 HR and 13 Rbi's in his last 46 gms----Representing 1/4 of the season.....— Truth
- Gee, Truth....I was watching Post Game Live, and I don't remember Mitch calling Chase a "chump in the clubhouse". Maybe you were tuned into Twilight Zone. LOL!— Norma
- I agree with Karen A. Why CAN'T the pitching staff call a team meeting? And I've often wondered why they don't look to leadership from the Moyers. Who ever said the *captain* has to be a postion player?— Norma
- Truth-where are you getting your stats? I just looked up Utley's record on the Phillies website and here's what I found: Month of June: 94AB/4HR/16RBI/11BB/17SO/OBP.364/.266 AVG Month of July: 34AB/2HR/3RBI/2BB/6SO/OBP.306/.265AVG— KarenA
- I don't claim to know the inner workings of a professional baseball clubhouse, but here's my take on the "Why CAN'T the pitching staff call a team meeting?" thing... Pitchers are in a very unique position on a ball club. While everyone else generally tries to stay loose and joke around, picthers are often the loners or even regarded as 'headcases'. I think the reason is that their jobs are much more mental than anyone else on the team. They need to be extremely focused on the task at hand, and that doesn't mean just on days they start. There's a whole routine these guys go through, some of them religiously (see Cole Hamels), and anything outside that routine is a distraction that could take them off their game. So I really don't think you generally find pitchers holding team meetings and calling out the rest of the team. Even if a guy was willing to do that, I question the value in such a strategy. If I'm a hitter who's not doing my job at the plate, I don't think I want to be told by a bunch of pitchers to get my a$$ in gear. I think that can only create a rift on the team, which could be damaging in the long run. No, I think the calling out needs to be done by A) the coaching staff, and B) the guys who are supposed to be leaders on this team. For me that means Charlie, and take your pick of Chase, Jimmy, Pat, or Ryan. As I said in a post last week, I feel the guy who should be stepping up here is the reigning MVP. With the awards and praise come responsibility. Just my opinion...— bobby
- I get my stats from the ESPN Big Board top 50 located in the fantasy section.....— Truth
- Bobby you're attempting to explain sports to women-enough said. But I will aid in your attempt. Its kind of like Offense and Defense in football while still a team there is a healthy and understood contempt for the other side. Each side has to handle their own business and right there ships within themselves. When the other side calls out the other its no good. The bats are struggling and the position players and coaches need to handle that within that phase of the gm. I hope was able help you understand sports a little better Karen.— Truth
- Truth thanks for the sexist chuckle about women not knowing anything about sports! Let me go clean and cook?!? LOL!!!!!!!!!— KarenA
- I'm glad you can take a joke KarenA---— Truth
- Bobby thanks for your take on the Phils clubhouse. It certainly makes sense, but I guess my thought process was they are all team mates and should have that 3 Muskateers attitude "all for one one for all". I thought Moyer being a "senior statesman" would be a good choice even--maybe along side Charlie.— KarenA
- Hey Truth keep your sexist remarks to yourself or i will make it my mission to report all of your post you TROLL.— mondonj
- KarenA: Yes, Moyer is something of a 'senior statesman', but I think he is keenly aware of where and when to speak up. Specifcially, he is great at advising young pitchers on the ways of the big leagues, as well as young hitters on how to approach pitchers. I could see him chiming in at a team meeting and offering his support, but your original idea was that the pitchers confront the offense with "we've been working our butts off for you guys now give us some run support!!" I just don't think that's how it works. I hate to say it, but on this one I have to agree with (gulp...) Truth. Except for the sexist part, of course. :) (Actually, I think Truth was agreeing with me, but why quibble.)— bobby
- bobby....Thanks from me, too! Makes total sense. That's why I love this blog. EVERONE can get an education. Not just the women! LOL!— Norma
- I'm starting to wonder if J.Roll's ankle is acting up again. In a few weeks, I'll again be going to the women's clinic the Phillies have every year. We'll be hitting in the cages with Milt Thompson. Think I'll ask him his take on the problems. In fact, I think I'll ask ALL the coaches. Plus Amaro or Arbuckle. Then again, hopefully it won't be an issue by then!— Norma
- Norma-once again, like I've been saying over and over he never healed. Stress fractures don't get worse its just a matter of dealing with the pain in most cases. It will come out after season kind of like Tiger winning the U.S. Open on a stress fractured leg. You have to give people a break when YOU are not privy to the internal conversation.— Truth
- The worst part about this bad play by the Phils, as it seems Jimmymack would know, is their horrible play at home lately. Im surprised people keep showing up(jimmymack lol)— Clinton, NJ
- Can these bums score at least ONE run for Happ???????????? Its not asking for much!!— Clinton, NJ
- Clinton, you ask and they answer... twice. Keep asking.— bobby
- Hits by Ruiz, Rollins, Utley, and Howard... in the same inning? Call the cops. Now let's keep it going, Phils!— bobby
- I just hallucinated that Carlos Ruiz got a hit- time to get off the LSD... three other points: hitting coaches don't mean a thing in baseball, Milt Thomson wasn't a genius last year when they hit everyone an he's not a moron now; if there's going to be a team meeting it needs to be one of the big three (Howard, Utley or Rollins, this is their team); I wish dallas Green were manager, he'd close the clubhouse doors for an hour, destroy the locker room, get in a fight with a player or reporter, everyone would go home hating each other and tomorrow they'd start winning because the team got a got kick in the a-ss— KMG
- Well bobby, I wonder if they can win the series tomorrow...for the fans sake?— Clinton, NJ
- Is Happ the new Kendrick??? Too bad he couldn't have gotten the win. The balls are being hit harder. Looked like Chase was going to take the HR lead again. Darn humidity knocking balls down! LOL! Even Ruiz got a hit!!! Good game! Keep the momentum going, guys!— Norma
- Why is it that idiots like Truth--and Howard Eskin--think that sexist "jokes" and comments are cute and charming. And if people object to their ignorance, they complain about political correctness or hyper-sensitivity or inability to take a joke. Would Truth say something like, "You're trying to explain sports to a Jew or a black man"? Why do people like Truth and Eskin think it's cute and funny to be sexist? Maybe they're just not smart enough to know that they're not charming.— Neal Obstat
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