Two steps forward, two steps back...

(originally posted 5/25/07)
The Phillies failed in yet another attempt to go over the .500 mark last night, falling to the Florida Marlins in eleven fun-filled innings, 5-4. The Phillies overcame an early injury to 2B Abraham Nunez, and still managed to leave 17 runners on base, despite the fact that Nunez only made one plate appearance. Nunez is currently day-to-day, and I am currently terrified by the fact that I am concerned for his well-being, and actually hope he returns to action soon.

Phillies MGR Charlie Manuel made efficient use of his bullpen, only utilizing three relievers in the six innings played after starter Jon Lieber's (5 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K) departure. Ryan Madson threw 42 pitches in his two innings of work. Some might say that Manuel has been using Madson a little too much (4 IP, 66 pitches) in the 3 days he's been back from his DL stint. But I would disagree with them. He's averaging only about 40 pitches a week this month. Madson should be good to go for another 70-80 pitches tonight. Best of all, Madson is a fine hitter (.143 lifetime), so Manuel won't have to burn his top bat off the bench, Adam (.130) Eaton, batting for him. It's the little adjustments that make a difference in each individual game, and over the long season. No one is more expert in such matters than Charles Fuqua Manuel.

Third-Base Coach Steve Smith had another runner (Michael Bourn) thrown out at home in a key situation last night. But sometimes runners are going to get thrown out. There's not really too much you can do about it. You might also argue that "it wasn't a good situation to send the runner", as there would have been runners on 2nd and 3rd, with no outs, if Smith had held him up at 3rd. Or perhaps you might hit me with a meaningless platitude like "you should never make the first out of an inning at home." Well, firstly, you are analyzing this way too much. Secondly, where do they come up with things like that? What does it matter what base you're thrown out at? Thirdly, Michael Bourn is super-fast. Super. Fast. Why do you think they always bring him in to run for Pat Burrell? I just don't see how Steve Smith can be criticized here.

Probably my biggest disagreement with the members of Phillies Nation right now are their assessments of Rod Barajas. I can't believe some of the stuff being said about him now. Phillies Phans just don't seem to value what Barajas brings to the team. But I am well-aware. Allow me to elaborate:

• Rod Barajas is a slugger. Maybe not if you believe in such things as "slugging percentage." Or "on-base percentage." Flawed stats, if you ask me. Additionally, how can one really measure the unmeasurables, such as "Home Runs" or "RBI?" You really can't. But Mike Schmidt and Chris James are, arguably, the greatest slugging talents in Phillies history. Well, Rod Barajas has provided more offense this season than Schmidt and James COMBINED.
• Rod Barajas is a leader. Did you see him in that brawl last night? With all the posturing? THAT was leadership. How about two nights ago? Barajas gets thrown out of the game, and Closer Brett Myers can't even survive one pitch without Barajas behind the plate. LEADERSHIP. Rod Barajas knows what it's all about.
• Rod Barajas (.232 avg. this season) is a savvy veteran. He realizes how important he is to the team. If he's out of the lineup, the Phillies would be forced to use either Carlos Ruiz (.265 this season) or Chris Coste (.328 lifetime) as catcher. Barajas has to do whatever is necessary to keep himself in the game. Sure, it might cost the team an out, or a game, or a bunch of games, here or there. But, in the long run, it's for the best.

The Phillies play in Atlanta tonight, with Jamie Moyer (4-3, 4.37 ERA) facing the Braves' Tim Hudson (5-2, 2.42). Hudson has been very tough this season, but with Manuel managing, Smith coaching 3rd, and Barajas calling the shots behind the plate, I feel confident in the Phillies' chances. Especially if Abe Nunez is back in the lineup.