First month Philled
with mediocre play

From the Press Box
By Bill McFarland

With the Phillies duplicating last year’s 10-14 record in April, I’m not just disappointed, I’m surprised. This team had a good spring — giving the impression that it would get off to a good jump out of the gate — and a couple of players in particular forced manager Charlie Manuel to make some important decisions before breaking camp.
Ryan Howard’s torrid spring didn’t really change much. He would be the everyday first baseman even if he’d had a sub-par spring. It was the pitching in Clearwater that eventually set the rotation for 2006, and it’s the pitching that seems to be the main reason this club needs a shot in the arm.
The last time out, I wrote that I’d address the Phillies’ pitching. Although Gavin Floyd had a great spring and Manuel felt that Floyd had earned a spot on the starting staff, I always had my qualms about having a rotation with two untested youngsters. Throwing a couple of kids out there to sink or swim was never my idea of improving a rotation, although the Phils have had to do it in previous years because there was nobody else to send to the mound.
In my opinion, Ryan Franklin was not a savior for this rotation, and although he’s adjusting to his bullpen role, I think he could join the rotation if Floyd or Ryan Madson continues to struggle. A better solution would be trading for a veteran starter, but that’s not likely to happen. Also, by the time minor-league phenom Cole Hamels is ready for the Big Show, the Phillies could be out of contention.
I’ve had the impression that the front office had hoped to see this year’s team keep close until Hamels or a healthy Randy Wolf could arrive to bolster the pitching staff. I don’t see it happening, but I’ve been wrong before.
Other than Brett Myers, the starters have been either bad or inconsistent. Myers (2-1, 3.23 ERA) is not surprising me. Also, Cory Lidle (30.2 innings pitched, three walks, 33 strikeouts) and Jon Lieber (30.2, 3 BB, 20K) have demonstrated good control. (All statistics are through Sunday’s game.)
I was never comfortable with the bullpen, and it was hot and cold during April. The exceptions are Rheal Cormier, who hadn’t given up a run in nine April games, and closer Tom Gordon, who converted all six of his save opportunities during the first month.
On paper, this year’s bench looked better than last season’s subs. Unfortunately, Abraham Nunez, Sal Fasano, David Dellucci, Alex Gonzalez and Shane Victorino have been a collective disappointment. Through April, the group hit for a .175 average with just six doubles, one home run and six RBI.
I’ll take that argument a step further and say that Fasano shouldn’t be in that group because he has something of a different role because he catches both Lieber and Floyd on a regular basis. Fasano hit only .207 in April, but he also accounts for three of the bench’s six doubles, the only homer and five of the group’s six RBI. That leaves the other four guys with a combined three two-baggers, one RBI and a .164 average. Either these guys start hitting or general manager Pat Gillick will soon be watching the waiver wire.

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Last time out, I mentioned that Ryan Howard was quicker and more agile for a man his size. I also listed an incorrect weight. Howard is listed at 252 pounds in the 2006 Phillies media guide. ••
Questions and comments can be directed to Bill McFarland at 215-354-3037 or bmcfarland@phillynews.com