Grotewold wrote:I mean, the only difference from last April is Howard, and I expect Pence/Mayberry instead of Ibanez/Francisco to mitigate some of that. Hopefully Nix and Wigginton, in advantageous matchups, can start contributing some pop soon.

This too

They're better than they've shown the last few days, for sure, but it's still fun to complain

Eem wrote:The problem, as MattS said on Twitter, is that the Phillies don't have power in the lineup.

That's true, but there's more. They also don't walk much and don't hit for a particularly high average. That's quite a trifecta.

Look, they're not going to go the entire season averaging 2 runs a game while hitting 40 HR. It's just a real shame (not to mention frustrating) watching the best starting staff in baseball (and in Phillies history) losing games because the offense sucks so much. But, unless and until some positive addition(s) happen(s), there are going to be a lot of short innings for the Phils' offense.

let's not focus too much on the offense. the defense isn't great, either.

Barry Jive wrote:let's not focus too much on the offense. the defense isn't great, either.

Looks like a mistake not to acquire an experienced/pure 1B backup. With that guy and Mayberry in LF I'd put our D up against anyone's.

On a brighter note, Jose Curbstomp pitched a great inning last night and is eligible to come off the DL today, per Hale

problem is, there aren't too many guys out there with a reputation for their good first base defense, because you have to also be a good hitter to even stick at the position. Wigginton and Nix should theoretically be good at it. but it's hard to get anyone decent to come keep the spot warm just so they can come off the bench when Howard comes back.

Eem wrote:The problem, as MattS said on Twitter, is that the Phillies don't have power in the lineup.

Charlie said it in his postgame conference. He didn't even name JBerry when asked about HR hitters (but said Wigginton)

Barry Jive wrote:problem is, there aren't too many guys out there with a reputation for their good first base defense, because you have to also be a good hitter to even stick at the position. Wigginton and Nix should theoretically be good at it. but it's hard to get anyone decent to come keep the spot warm just so they can come off the bench when Howard comes back.

I hear ya, and Nix looked like a good LF/1B complement to Mayberry, on paper. And probably still will be.

Grotewold wrote:On a brighter note, Jose Curbstomp pitched a great inning last night and is eligible to come off the DL today, per Hale

This is good

ek wrote:they wanted him to go back to back innings before he comes off the dl

Who would get sent down/DL when he comes back?

Savery, Stutes, Herndon or Bastardo?

id guess savery.

but it should be stutes.

FTN wrote:id guess savery.

but it should be stutes.

After that home run to Infante yesterday, it's gonna take years for Savery to get back into Charlie's good graces.

Salvage the homestand and then head west, which has busted slumps in recent years

Youseff wrote:flame if you will but I wish Dom was on the roster

He's 3-17 with no XBH so far with the Pigs.

And Exxon is a paltry 0-for-2 with Cincy. Rube's hands were tied I tell ya

JFLNYC wrote:

Youseff wrote:flame if you will but I wish Dom was on the roster

He's 3-17 with no XBH so far with the Pigs.

so he'd fit right in!

JFLNYC wrote:

Youseff wrote:flame if you will but I wish Dom was on the roster

He's 3-17 with no XBH so far with the Pigs.

Has he butchered any plays in the field yet?

remember when dom was the no. 1 prospect in mlb? that was awesome

Trent Steele wrote:remember when dom was the no. 1 prospect in mlb? that was awesome

i only saw him listed as high as #3 or 4.

but remember, its all the Phillies fault. They purposely coached him to not be able to catch flyballs.

Grotewold wrote:Salvage the homestand and then head west, which has busted slumps in recent years

I know those west coast trips have busted my hump more than once