You Talkin' to Me? Looking back at a lost sports weekend

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; McKee, Don

Subject: Weekend that wasn't

Tough run for Philly sports between Saturday and Sunday. Any last thoughts? Have the two of you recovered from Ryan Madson grooving that pitch to Uribe, Ryan Howard failing to swing, Kenny Britt embarrassing the Birds, and Andy Reid promising to do a better job?

From: McKee, Don

To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Weekend that wasn't

The Phillies have to decide what type of ball club they want to be. If they decide to remain a one-base-at-a-time, depend on the three-run-homer type of club, maybe Charlie is the guy to manage. But if they decide to emphasize their greatest strengths - pitching and defense - then it's time for a manager who can emphasize those strengths.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; McKee, Don

Subject: Weekend that wasn't

That's the disappointment talking. No doubt that Manuel needs to do more situational managing, and the team has to do a better job manufacturing runs and working counts, but moving on from Charlie doesn't make much sense to me. His guys dig him, and he's won a title - unlike at least one coach in town.

From: Fitzpatrick, Frank

To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; McKee, Don

Subject: Weekend that wasn't

But like Amaro pointed out Monday, how are you going to play hit-and-run baseball with a team that swings and misses so much? It's like deciding to play Earl Weaver baseball with the '69 Mets.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; McKee, Don

Subject: Weekend that wasn't

I wonder whether the bad news for the Phils will continue. Jayson Werth said the Phils will simply be one of several teams he'll consider during the off-season.

From: Fitzpatrick, Frank

To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; McKee, Don

Subject: Weekend that wasn't

I have just one more thing to say after that lost weekend: Now, that's the Philadelphia I grew up with.