Although the Phillies outhit the Red Sox today and racked up 7 walks, they lost the game 3-1 as a result of having 12 men left on base. The 4th inning was a great example of the trouble the Phils had closing the deal; Raul Ibanez singled off Jon Lester, followed by a Pedro Feliz double. With runners on 2nd and 3rd and no outs, John Mayberry popped out. Keeping the inning alive, Chris Coste earned a walk to load the bases; but then Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino went down in order to end the threat.
The good news is that the Phillies made a habit out of this last year and still won the World Series. The bad news is, lightning usually does not strike twice in the same place. Not to say they cannot repeat, because they are more than capable, but the offense needs to solve the issue of leaving men on base to add to their chances. Plus, many Phillies hitters are behind schedule from where they would normally be this time of year because of injuries like those of Coste, Feliz and Chase Utley. Rollins and Victorino are also behind in the number of at-bats they should have because of the WBC. Just a few thoughts for our offense to chew on.
Cole Hamels is also running behind, not only due to the elbow injury, but his rehab was further delayed today when the minor league game he was set to pitch in was reportedly cancelled due to rain. The rest of the Phillies pitchers however, appear to be right on track. Joe Blanton has pitched very well this spring and gave up only 4 hits and 2 runs in 6 1/3 innings today against a strong Red Sox line-up. We are all waiting now to see the new Phillie, Jack Taschner get into a game so we can see what he has to offer. Aside from that question mark, the regulars in the pen look ready to go.
And since we are on the subject of food, I just read an article about big league food in the MLB Insiders magazine by Jeremiah Sullivan. According to Lance Berkman, the major leaguer with the biggest appetite is his former teammate, Brad Lidge. “Brad Lidge will eat any and everything in sight,” says Berkman. “It doesn’t matter what it is, he constantly crushes food. He eats more than any other human being that I’ve seen in my entire life. And everything has Tabasco sauce on it.” Ok, gross. So what sort of food does All-Star Chase Utley like best? “Sushi day is definitely my favorite,” says Utley. “It is only served once every few home stands – that isn’t often enough.” Raw fish; good to know. Between that and the Tabasco sauce, I may never eat again.
And today marks 1 week until Opening Night in Philadelphia! Whoo Hooo! But until then, grapefruit league action will continue with the Phillies taking on Mr. Berkman and his Astros at 1:05pm tomorrow.
