Yes, it is time to worry.
I am sick of hearing the fan refrain that there is no need to panic about the Phillies recent losses, particularly the ones blown by the bullpen. After all the Phillies are 40 games over .500, these games are meaningless and, besides, the starting pitching is good enough to overcome any deficiency. Please stop drinking the red kool-aid and eating the Graham Slam ice cream. Here are three reasons Phillies fans should be worried:
The Phillies' offense is overrated, that is why the bullpen has been called upon to save so many one run games. Chase Utley is a fraud. In yesterday's game he left 7 men on base. This is the Phillies' number 3 hitter, obstinately a RBI guy. Mayberry (in about 100 fewer ABs) has more RBIs than Utley. Pathetic. Rollins is no longer a star, Polanca stinks post injury, and Ibanez is so far over the hill he is halfway up the next mountain. Victorino has had a very good season and Howard and Pence are also good at what they do, but both are susceptible to rally-killing strikeouts.
The bullpen IS weak. Bastardo has been a pleasant surprise, but Madson is no shut down closer. Stutes is okay but unproven, Lidge is a shell of his old self, and the rest of the guys stink. (Excepting Kyle Kendrick who I assume will be in the bullpen for the rest of the season and playoffs)
The Phillies are 6-6 against Atlanta, 3-3 against Arizona, 1-2 against Milwaukee. These are the teams they will face in the playoffs.
Anyone else worried?
No comments:
Post a Comment