Perfect Ten

September 9:  Off day
September 8:  PHILLIES 10, Florida 6

Well, the offense has started to come back to life, and not a moment too soon.  Especially since we have a score to settle with the Mets, who shut us out for an entire series way back in June that I believe started us on that crystal-blue funk that lasted until July.

I'm trying not to jinx Jimmy Rollins by talking too much about his hamstring.  Suffice it to say, it would be great to have everyone back for the stretch run, but let's be sure everyone is ready and healthy enough to play, especially in the post-season.  Here's hoping the tightness in Jimmy's hammy is just that and that a few days' rest will set him to right.

Of course, the Braves lost tonight, sending them a full game back of the Phils.  Nice to see the Cardinals start hitting at just the right time (how many times in the past has a rival played a team that was in a funk instead of being red-hot?).  Looks like the Bravos put Kawakami into the 'pen, given his 1-11 record as a starter.  It'll be interesting to see how that plays out when the Phils host Atlanta during the next homestand.

I followed a link at The Good Phight this morning over breakfast, and in the linked story, it seems that Kyle Kendrick is a bit miffed that he's not being considered as a reliable fifth starter by Charlie Manuel (and the fans) as Manuel has not named his fifth starter for Saturday's game at New York.  Seems Kendrick's main complaint is that the other guys on the staff are considered "perfect", and Kyle doesn't believe he's been appreciated enough.

Kyle, I doubt you read this blog.  And if you do, you're probably like every other major leaguer who thinks the ordinary fan can't possibly understand the intricasies of the game as well as you can.  But let me clue you in on something ....

Those other pitchers?  The ones you're complaining about being considered "perfect" instead of you?

Roy Oswalt?  5-1 with the Phils, 2.30 ERA and 11-13 overall, 3.09 ERA with a WHIP of 1.073.  For his career?  146-83, 3.22 ERA, WHIP of 1.190.

Cole Hamels?  Only the 2008 World Series MVP.  10-10, 3.06, WHIP of 1.165.  For his career, 58-44, 3.54, WHIP of 1.173.

Roy Halladay?  Cy Young Winner.  17-10, 2,33, WHIP of 1.050.  For his career, 165-86, 3.33 ERA, WHIP of 1.184.

And you?  9-8, 4.29 ERA, WHIP of 1.389.  For your career, 32-22, 4.74, WHIP of 1.433.

Do you see why, exactly, they're deemed "perfect" and you're not?  Come cry to the press when you can match their accomplishments and still don't get any credit.  Pitch like a pro, not like a minor leaguer, and the fans will cut you some slack.  If you take the hill and the Braves have lost or are losing, pitch like you want to personally put the fork in them.

Until then, remember ... you play in Philadelphia, the toughest town to please in all of sports.  We don't want to hear how hard you're trying to be a better pitcher, we want you to become a better pitcher.  As Master Yoda once said:  "There is no try.  Only do."

You would be wise, young Padwan, to listen and understand that concept.