For a couple of years now, I've religiously watched Phillies games on television and if not, then I've listened to the Franzke and L.A. Show on the radio. It hasn't been easy given that The Missus usually has a different agenda for the television [the downside of digital cable is that there is always a Bones or Law & Order on somewhere] but my argument has always been something along the lines of Yes Dear, I understand that the distracted couple walking their dog totally and unexpectedly came across that body stuffed in a mailbox, but you see, this is the Golden Age of Phillies Baseball. We have to change the channel. You don't know when this might end and it's the 1990's all over again.
And so now that the lifeless Phillies slump has gone on for three weeks, you can't help but wonder, is this the beginning of the end? It's probably not, it's probably a bump in the road, but on the other hand... Lets ignore the other hand a little while shall we?
Whether it's the beginning of the end or not it is certainly valid to wonder what's caused it? I've heard several theories bandied about...
...Missing Jimmy: Jimmy Rollins has played in all of 12 games due to a chronic calf injury. Could it be that Rollins means more to the team than even his biggest fans have given him credit for? Besides an offensive spark, does he also provide a spark in the clubhouse that he can't provide when he isn't suiting up for play?
...Signs: Interestingly, The SlumpTM chronologically coincides with Major League Baseball gently reminding the Phillies that it is against the rules for technology to be used in the stealing of other teams' signs.
...Payday for RyHo: The SlumpTM also roughly coincides chronologically with Ryan Howard signing his $125 million contract extension. The thought process here is that the contract caused jealousy in the clubhouse, ruining team chemistry.
...Flutterball: Since facing knuckleballer Tim Wakefield on May 22, the Phillies are 5-12. Prior to that they were 26-16. Could facing Wakefield's knuckleball for a day have caused the timing tailspin at the plate?
...The Fire's Out: Others have suggested that after three and a quarter seasons of prolonged success that included two World Series appearances in a row, the desire to succeed has finally ebbed in the Phillies clubhouse.
...Milt Thompson: In this theory, the thought is that all teams are prone to slumps, but one of the reasons that the Phillies slumps often spiral into something larger is that Thompson is unable to right the ship.
...All of the Above: Often in baseball, things don't happen for a reason, they happen for several reasons. Perhaps the Phillies fall from grace is a combination of some or all of the factors listed above.
What do you think?
