The weekend sweep by the Red Sox was notable only for the huge numbers of fans who had made the trip from Boston to root for the defending Word Series champions. For Phillies fans — and the press corps, for that matter — it was painful to watch, and the questions raised don't seem to be changing.
However, after Sunday's loss, there appeared to be some difference in thinking between the manager and some players.
"I tell you guys every day that every game we play is important," said manager Charlie Manuel while responding to a reporter's question. "During the course of a season, there are peaks and valleys, and right now, we're in a valley."
Fair enough. One can argue that the 12-1 homestand was a peak and the 1-5 homestand, following a 2-4 road trip, is a valley. When one searches for answers, however, interesting exchanges between media members and those wearing red pinstripes reveal differing opinions.
"I think if you ask all twenty-five players, they'll say there's room for improvement," said Manuel. "I want to see more fire, more determination to break out of this (slump)."
Somebody wondered if it was possible, considering the setbacks facing this team.
"Yes, I do," insisted Manuel. "I think we can. I think everybody on the team can improve. I'm not saying that everything they do is wrong, but I think they can improve."
In the clubhouse, pitcher Brett Myers pretty much simplified matters from the players' perspective when asked about the ominous figures facing this squad.
"We don't even know the numbers; the only people who know the numbers are you guys," said Myers, referring to the press. "We just go out there every day, take one day at a time and try to win that game. There isn't one guy on this team that you can say is not busting his rear end to win the game, because everybody is."
I happen to agree with both sides. As a manager trying to break a tailspin, I think Manuel has a right to expect some improvement. Players hate to lose. I don't think anyone is going through the motions.
I do know that something's not working. And if this ship does not right itself by the All-Star break, there will be some changes.
One area of concern is the Phillies' starting rotation. Randy Wolf will undergo Tommy John surgery on Friday and is lost for the season, and Vicente Padilla continues to be inconsistent.
The best-case scenario is for the team to acquire a veteran starter, preferably a lefty, but options are somewhat limited. Other than those on the active 25-man roster, the organization has two legitimate prospects to offer — slugger Ryan Howard and hurler Gavin Floyd.
I'm not in favor of trading either one. Since the team needs pitching, it's not likely that the brass will move Floyd. Howard is the only insurance if first baseman Jim Thome goes down with an injury.
More important, if either or both of these guys are traded, the Phillies must win this year or we are looking at some lean years for some time to come because the only other prospect in the system is pitcher Cole Hamels, who is at least two years away.
With ticket sales already down this year, how will the organization market a club with no hope of contending until a new crop of minor leaguers is developed?
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