These deer are having a good time. Maybe the Phillies need a frolic because whatever it is they're doing now is not working. Joe Blanton was quite good through six innings but the game sort of turned in the 7th, when he came up to bat with two outs and the bases loaded. Blanton struck out on three pitches. Could Charlie Manuel have pinch-hit for him? Yes, but it was pretty much a lose-lose situation, given the state of the offense. And the bullpen. The Phillies had another chance in the 8th but Werth grounded out to end the inning. Contreras came in and poured oil on the flames. So went another loss, this time 5-1, to the Cards. The sole run was a Ryan Howard homer. This season is not slipping away; it's becoming a rout.
Manuel's starting lineup (Polanco, Victorino, Francisco...) last night was like a crazy quilt. One day these guys will start hitting again. Meanwhile, they should be embarrassed.
If the Phillies are going to trade Werth, I wish they'd do it before the team gets home on Friday. The reputed Oswalt deal sounds dead. For all that Oswalt reportedly demanded a trade this spring, he wants his option year ($16 million in 2012) picked up first. It does not sound as if this Roy really wants to be traded, at least not to Philadelphia. Hey, Roy, we have tractors and hunting and fishing here, too!
