Honor's nice, but Phils can do without All-Star Game

MIAMI - No matter how they try to gimmick up the All-Star Game, no matter how much phony gravitas they try to attach to the proceedings by pretending that the outcome really matters, the stubborn fact is that it doesn't. Not when it comes to those at field level having to make real-world decisions.

The Phillies have as good a chance as any team in the National League to advance to the World Series and better odds than most. And, sure, they wouldn't mind having homefield advantage if they get there.

That's not what will be paramount for Charlie Manuel and Rich Dubee a week from tonight when many of the game's best players have at it in Phoenix during the annual midseason exhibition, though.

After having been the manager and pitching coach respectively in 2009 and '10, they acknowledge having received the back-channel requests that certain pitchers be used sparingly, if at all. And while they won't come right out and say it, they're obviously hoping for some professional courtesy when it comes to their own All-Stars this time around.

Phillies pitchers Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels were all selected, along with third baseman Placido Polanco, voted the starter at his position by the fans. Hamels will be taken care of by virtue of the fact that he is starting Sunday, the last day before the break. By rule, he'll be replaced on the roster while keeping the distinction of having made the team.

Asked before last night's game against the Marlins at Sun Life Stadium how he'd like to see Halladay and Lee used, Manuel cracked a joke. "They can use one of them for one out," he said.

He also grumbled out loud about how NL manager Clint Hurdle warmed up Brad Lidge repeatedly at Yankee Stadium in 2008 before finally bringing him into the game in the 15th inning.

Dubee hemmed and hawed and scrunched up his face but conceded he'd probably be just as happy if Halladay, who leads the majors in innings pitched, didn't start because the starter is generally expected to go two.

And, truth be told, they'd probably prefer that both sit it out. Even pitching one inning likely would render either unavailable until at least Sunday. Halladay hinted he wouldn't be heartbroken to simply spectate.

Doesn't really sound like anybody thinks winning the All-Star Game is more important than having them available as soon as possible to face the Mets, does it?

It's not just the Phillies, either. Fearsome Yankees lefthander CC Sabathia was left off the original American League roster and quickly let it be known that he was taking his family to the Bahamas during the break and wouldn't change those plans even if asked to join the team as a fill-in. Even, apparently, at the risk of pitching a potentially decisive Series game on the road instead of at Yankee Stadium. Imagine that.

There's such a disconnect between the overheated made-for-television announcement special that so pleases the suits in the big offices and the gritty realities that must occupy those in uniform. The first day is reserved for allowing those selected to take their bows, to hyping the online vote to add another player to each squad - the sprained thumb that has sidelined Shane Victorino can't help his chances - and the all-important debate of who got snubbed.

The next news cycle picks up more pragmatic concerns. The Phillies, for example, acknowledge that it's an honor for Polanco to have a chance to make his second All-Star start. But they also have to grapple with the question of whether it would be better if he took the 4 days off.

At the end of April, he was hitting .398 with a .972 OBP.

Going into last night, in 56 games since, he was hitting .219 with a .541 OPS.

This disappearing act is generally attributed to a sore back. So a case could be made that the wisest course would be for the Phillies to cut Polanco a check for the $50,000 All-Star incentive he earned and quietly urge him to gracefully step aside. After all, the long flight to Arizona, the workout and the game and the return flight can't be good for a cranky back.

Except that he appears determined to participate. And since he remains in the Phillies' lineup, that puts the team in a delicate position. If he's healthy enough to play against the Marlins and Braves this week, it's difficult to work up a compelling case that he's not physically able to play a few innings in one of the game's showcase events.

"I think it's OK for him," Manuel said without mustering noticeable enthusiasm. "I think it's a big honor. Every time I talk to him, he says, 'I'm OK to play.' At the same time, if his back is hurting, we'll definitely take care of that. I haven't seen him getting treatment. He doesn't say much. He just goes and plays."

The All-Star Game is a great spectacle, but it isn't all about winning. Heck, if it was, don't you think the Phillies would want Halladay and Lee to pitch as long as possible?

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