Posted on Sat, Jul. 5, 2008
The New York Mets are deep in lefthanded pitching, and that led to some lineup shuffling by Phillies manager
Charlie Manuel last night in the opener of a four-game series at Citizens Bank Park.
"I'm looking for some balance," Manuel said.
With lefthander
Johan Santana on the mound for the Mets, Manuel used righthander
Jayson Werth at leadoff for the second time this season.
Chase Utley hit second,
Jimmy Rollins third,
Ryan Howard fourth,
Pat Burrell fifth,
Pedro Feliz sixth and
Shane Victorino seventh.
Chris Coste got the catching assignment and batted eighth.
Manuel did not want lefthanders Utley and Howard batting in consecutive spots, especially late in the game when the Mets have three lefthanded relievers (
Pedro Feliciano,
Scott Schoeneweis and
Billy Wagner) at their disposal.
Happ makes six
Rookie lefty
J.A. Happ became just the sixth starting pitcher used by the Phillies this season. That is the lowest in the majors, a mark shared with the Chicago White Sox.
Happ was called up to take the spot of
Brett Myers, who is ironing out some problems at triple A.
One year after setting a franchise record by using 28 pitchers, the Phillies have used just 13.
The long and short of it
A week before the all-star break, Manuel continues to focus on short-term goals.
"Winning series," he said. "Win tonight's game. I don't want to get away from that."
Chasing the derby
Utley, who entered last night's game leading the majors with 24 home runs, is open to participating in the all-star home-run derby, which will be held July 14, the day before the All-Star Game, at Yankee Stadium.
"I'm not opposed to it - if I make the team," Utley said.
Huh? At last check, Utley was leading all National League players with more than 2.6 million votes. He is a lock to start at second base. The team will be announced tomorrow.
Pitchers
Brad Lidge and
Cole Hamels, along with Burrell in the outfield, could be selected to the team.
Minor matters
The Phillies have not ruled out
Carlos Carrasco's pitching in the all-star Futures Game on July 13 at Yankee Stadium. The 21-year-old righthander, considered the organization's top prospect, was scratched from his last scheduled start on Wednesday because of shoulder tightness, which was not considered serious. His status for the Futures Game will be determined when he throws off a mound in the coming days.
Contact staff writer Jim Salisbury at 215-854-4983 or jsalisbury@phillynews.com.
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