The Gload conundrum
News blogs, sports blogs, entertainment blogs, and more from Philly.com, The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News.
The Gload conundrum
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
WASHINGTON -- This much we know: Ross Gload does not think a stint on the disabled list will help his fraying hip. It's either season-ending surgery or play through the muscle tear.
This could prove to be a difficult decision for the Phillies to make because by the day, it's clearer Gload is limited. He pinch-hit Tuesday and reached on catcher's interference only to be removed for a pinch-runner... pitcher Kyle Kendrick.
Twice in the last five days Gload has been removed for a pinch-runner. He is Charlie Manuel's best pinch-hitter and his lefthanded bat is valuable off the bench. His eight pinch-hits lead the majors.
But it's June 1 and Gload has yet to manage an extra-base hit after slugging a career-high .484 in 2010. The injury has sapped his power, it appears.
Is Manuel being cautious with him by using the pinch-runners?
"I don't know what I'm being with him," Manuel said. "I don't know if he can run or not. Evidently we didn't think so because we put Kendrick in. But I don't know."
Can the Phillies afford to carry a player who cannot run or field?
"I guess we can if we want to," Manuel said. "I'd say his pinch-hitting definitely counts. He gives us a quality at-bat. We need some sticks on the bench."
That is what will keep Gload on the active roster, but the question is, for how long?
Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.
Download our NEW iPhone/Android app for easy access to all of our Phillies coverage, plus app-exclusive videos and analysis. Get it here.
Comment removed.
With Victorino back on the team, that gives them two outfielders for the bench (Francisco and Mayberry), two infielders (Valdez and Martinez) and a catcher. Either Gload goes to the DL or they're short a man who can play the field (or in the bullpen).— conceptual_bro- DL Gload....sign Dickie Thon— NewMick314
- All is not lost. We have Mike Zagurski holding down that all important 12th spot on the pitching staff. Might perhaps log as many as 10 innings if he remained on the big team all season -- which he won't.— Claudio Vernight
Don't we have a few statues down in the minors that can hit but not field that we could call up to be a PH?
- Comment removed.
- AMEN ! — byteme2000
- All of a sudden we go from too many left-handed bats to not enough? I guess it's a good problem in a way because it means Dom Brown is playing way too well to sit on the bench and pinch hit, which he is thus far.— eman
- Gload may never play again this year— shawnmac
- What about Jeff Larish or Brandon Moss in LV? They're only hitting about .240, but w/ some pop. Of course, they'd need to free a spot on the 40-man (same w/ Kratz, but he's RH).— ejc527
- I'd suggest a double switch. (and possibly even a triple switch).
The definite moves are: Farm out Zagurski or one of the under-performers in the bullpen. Bring up Michael Schwimer - He's been excellent at the AAA level and he deserves his big league chance.......and DL Gload and bring up Kratz. (Or you could bring up newly-signed Scott Podsednik.)
The third possible move would concern Martinez. Like other posters I'm not sure that Martinez has done enough with the bat to stay with the Phillies all season. Belliard or Barfield are experienced majors leaguers who could replace him.— D.K.O. - I forgot about Belliard...— PhilliefaninAZ
- Watching Lehigh and Kratz just went yard again, 3-4 tonight. Gload has got to get the surgery, he cannot be a threat if he is unhealthy. Send Dane down and keep Kratz as a power hitting bat when Schneider returns.— philsfan in the atx
- Barfield is hitting very good this spring-summer. Give him the chance and DL Gload because Josh can play IF and OF too. He just hits, that's all!!!!!— Koons
