It Moves Me!

• What in God's name was Charlie Manuel doing walking Jim Edmonds to load the bases to pitch to Scott Rolen? Am I missing something here? This is not second guessing (Rolen hit a grand slam) because I said it at the time.
• Anyone notice the Phanatic's quad wouldn't go after his lame skit with Fredbird? Kind of like the Phillies on this day.
• What was up with Jon Lieber? He looked overmatched throughout the day. The highlight came in the first inning when he struck out the first two. he actually struck out the side but the Cards got the first run. And I am not buying into the whole, he can't pitch to Mike Lieberthal stuff...he should get it together and pitch to whoever is catching.

Now, some good things:

• The crowd was pumped for baseball, as evidenced by them standing and cheering with two strikes on Pujols in the first. Philadelphia is desperate for good baseball...let's hope the Phillies give it to them.
• Jimmy Rollins' double in the eighth gave soggy fans something to cheer about. I agree with the fan in front of me who said J-Rol should swing at the 3-0 pitch no matter where it is. Don't give me crap about taking a pitch there...Rollins needed to get a hit for his streak. As Dr. Evil would say, "throw us a bone for chrissakes."
• The offense looked good but it's hard to tell in a blowout like that. Utley had three hits, Burrell hit well and so did Abreu.

Things I don't get:

• Booing your players on Opening Day. Why boo David Bell? Is he a bad guy? No. Is he the player we hoped he would be? No, but cut him some slack on Opening Day.
• Why the Phillies made the bullpens so that people could see in and then block off the area to the side so no one can see in? Silly.
• Why the poor Cardinal O'Hara marching band got into full uniform, marched onto the field and stood there while the players walked through the fans lineup and then left the field. Seems like a lot of work for those kids to actually not do anything.
• The sausage in Bull's BBQ was freakin huge...at least an inch hung over the bun on either side. Note to Aramark...buy bigger buns.
• Lastly, the Phillies employee giving out two tickets to the winner of the "Run the Bases" game but none to the other kids. Not exactly the good sportsmanship attitude is it? Also, aren't the Phillies all about coming in second and third?

// posted by Bill @ 9:34 AM