Phils overcome cart, but not D-Backs

(originally posted 5/8/07)
Phillies SP Freddy Garcia overcame his violent encounter with a cart in San Francisco, and started for the Phillies Monday night in Arizona. Despite the fact that Garcia's season ERA prior to the tragic cart incident was 6.05, this turned out to be a good thing. Garcia had his most effective outing of the season, allowing only 2 ER on 5 hits in 6 strong innings.

Unfortunately, the Phillies had difficulty scoring against Arizona's Doug Davis, and Garcia was removed from the game for a pinch-hitter in the 7th inning. Garcia had thrown only 70 pitches to that point. It was a tough decision for Phils Manager Charlie Manuel, given the fact that the Phillies had a bit of a rally going, but don't have what you would call a "strong" (or, "Major League-quality") bullpen. Manuel opted to pinch-hit, and then start spinning The Wheel of Bullpen Doom.
The Phillies tied the game 2-2 in the 7th, but the bullpen blew the 2-2 tie in the 7th, and a 3-3 tie in the 8th, en route to a 4-3 loss. The bullpen was about as useful to Garcia Monday night, as they were when they watched him get hit by the cart on Sunday night. Antonio Alfonseca and Victor Rosario (L, 0-2) were the bullpen choices. The D-Back announcers were a little too excited over Alfonseca's appearance, yelling "Pulpo" randomly, as the 12-fingered reliever gave Arizona the lead back. (Note: It would be OK for Jerry Remy to do this, but no one else is authorized to do so.)

The Red Sox did not play Monday, as they traveled to begin a series in Toronto. I finally caught the Manny/Batshit Crazy Petting Incident on the internets. It was a truly sweet and touching moment. Manny is so kind and caring with his Batshit Pal/Pet. That clip should definitely be one of the Red Sox Moments that they show on NESN periodically. Jerry Remy and Don Orsillo's responses to the situation were equally priceless. THIS is why they play the games. The NESN Manny/Batshit bobblehead should be available soon.
(Manny and Julian clip, courtesy of Cursed to First, Random Thoughts, and Deadspin.)

Josh Beckett goes for his 7th victory of 2007 tonight, in a 7:07 start in Toronto. He would be the 1st Sox P to win his first seven decisions of the season since HOFer Brian Rose won the 1st 7 games of his 371-win career.
Adam Eaton tries to lower his ERA under 7 in tonight's game in Arizona. However, I sent Adam a DVD, with instructions to watch it before his start tonight. If Eaton stabs himself trying to cut open the shrink wrap on the DVD, and is unable to pitch, expect Manuel to spend the entire game spinning The Wheel of Bullpen Doom. Given Eaton's 8.18 ERA, this would probably be preferable. (Note: The DVD I sent Eaton is "Borat", because, in my mind, Adam is the the King of the (Phillies) Castle.)

In music news, one of my favorite bands, Mind's Eye, has released a video in advance of their new album. The name of the song is "Feed my Revolver" from the album "a gentleman's hurricane." (*Borat voice*: I like it. Is nice.) Their previous album, "Waiting for H20", which had an evolution theme, is one of my all-time faves. "Feed my Revolver" has a JFK assassination theme, not sure of the album's concept as a whole yet. Good stuff. I eagerly await this one!

(*Borat voice*) Thank you for read my blog. I hope you like. Chenquieh.