TV analyst Simpson familiar with Phillies

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Simpson

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In Joe Simpson's role as television analyst for Atlanta Braves games, he sees the Phillies a lot. With the Phillies seizing control of the National League East, maybe Simpson has seen them too often in recent years.

Anyway, Simpson gets even more Phillies since he'll be working the Phils-Rockies series with Brian Anderson, who calls Brewers games.

When Simpson, a former major leaguer, thinks about the Phillies, their offense and pitching issues spring to mind.

"Everybody is very mindful and, to some extent, fearful of their lineup," Simpson said yesterday. "Not just because of their power but because of their speed.

"But when you play them 18 times like the Braves did, you also see the vulnerability of their rotation, with Cole Hamels not having a Cole Hamels-type season. That put a lot of stress on the rotation.

"Jamie Moyer was not himself. Thank goodness, from the Phillies standpoint, that J.A. Happ was outstanding. He really filled a big void for them for much of the season. He's kind of taken over almost as their ace."

Simpson notes that if Brad Lidge hadn't led the National League in blown saves, Charlie Manuel's team would've "absolutely run off and left everyone."

Like everyone else, Simpson is curious to see what happens if Lidge fails to save Game 1 or 2.

"A best-of-five series is so tenuous," Simpson said. "You really need to jump out and win Game 1; you have to win early. If it's a one- or two-run lead [in Game 1] I can't imagine Charlie not going to Brad Lidge. He's his guy."

Simpson and Manuel have known each other for a long time. They were teammates with the Dodgers' Triple A farm team.

"Charlie was a great teammate," Simpson said. "He was a veteran when I was coming up. He was always there with a kind word and a suggestion that might help you get better. From what I read and hear, he hasn't changed: He wants everybody to do well.

"It's obvious that Charlie didn't grow up in Rittenhouse Square or out in Haverford. He's a country boy, and he doesn't hide it. [But] Charlie is as smart a baseball man as you want to meet."

Simpson will be looking closely at how Chase Utley does. "He was a nonfactor 2 years ago [against the Rockies]," Simpson said. "There's no way I can envision that happening again: He's just too good." *

Send e-mail to fleiscb@phillynews.com

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