Phillies Nation

The City Line

Posted by Brian Michael, Wed, April 19, 2006 01:14 PM

"Some of those plays are pretty tough.  I don’t think fans know how tough it is when the ball is hit right on the screws or it’s knuckling or it’s hit right at you."  That is how Cory Lidle explained away the lackluster play of Bobby Abreu last night in the top of the fourth inning.  Ryan Zimmerman and Ryan Church hit back to back line drives in that inning to right field.  These were both balls that were over Bobby’s head, which he seems to have much more trouble with then ones in which he has to charge, but the liner hit by Church was especially bad.  Church’s line drive turned Abreu completely around.  It was such a bad play in fact, that Zimmerman (who was on second after his double over Bobby’s head) held up because he was so sure the ball would be caught by a gold glove right fielder. 

What is most funny about this situation is that Bobby was willing to take the blame for the loss saying, "These were very hard balls, but I am not going to make any excuses.  I probably cost us the game.  Sometimes there is nothing you can do."  All the while Lidle felt it necessary to defend his teammate (which is fine) while at the same time belittling the fans (which is not fine).  Last night’s paid attendance was an announced 20,072, the lowest ever for Citizen’s Bank Park.  This is the third different time this young season that there has been a new low in attendance.  Keep underminding the fans, Cory, and see how this record low is shattered again.

It has been said before on this site, but it is certainly worth mentioning again, we the fans of Philadelphia boo because we are a knowledgeable fan base and because we are fed up.  We boo because Bobby could have made those plays, and even if not, he could have made a better effort.  We boo because the overall ERA for our bullpen is 6.15 after last nights fiasco between Rhodes and Geary.  We boo because our team is 17 for 92 (.185 average), the lowest in the major leagues, with runners in scoring position after last night going 1 for 9.  Finally, we boo because the Phillies are now 1-6 at home.  They should relish playing at home.  They could rival the Eagles for fan support if they just played relaxed.  We are not that bad as a fan base, we just need something to cheer about. 

That’s the Story from The City Line for Now   

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