Finally, Late Inning Drama Goes the Phillies' Way
On Saturday night, The Missus and I went to Citizens Bank Park with a group of friends, hoping to catch Cole Hamels' start against the Cubs. Sadly, by the time we got to the ticket booth, the game was completely sold out. Given the nice weather, we decided to settle down on the patio of McFadden's. Around the fourth inning, we began to see people leaving the ballpark with the game's outcome still most decidedly undecided.
We were apoplectic. Here we were, watching the game in McFadden's with a waitress who could have been named Halley and bad blaring music, while these people who were heading to their cars clearly didn't appreciate their lot in life that night. We shook our heads and discussed all the reasons why you should stay until the end.
Fast forward to tonight's game. Now that's why you stay until the end.
Before some observations, a poll:
Observations:
- Anyone notice that Chase Utley's hair is noticeably shorter? Think the superstitious second baseman felt he had to change things up a bit in search of some better karma given his recent fielding problems?
- With Shane Victorino and Jimmy Rollins both out due to injury, Charlie Manuel has been forced to try some rather interesting lineups. Here's my suggestion for tomorrow against Roy Oswalt if Rollins is still unavailable: Werth [check out that OBP], Utley, Burrell, Howard, Feliz, Jenkins, Ruiz/Coste, Bruntlett.
- Since Adam Eaton, who seems to be pitching like a new man all of a sudden, was moved up a day and pitched Tuesday night, he should be available to pitch the final game of the weekend's Mets series. Remember, Eaton pitches well against the Mets for some reason.
