Phillies Nation

Rosario Loses Magic; Odds And Ends

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Sat, March 15, 2008 10:41 AM

I feel sad for Brian and Co.

Let’s first get to the game recap, then I’ll reveal why. Yesterday Francisco Rosario got his swing at the fifth starter battle and — well — failed, like all the rest. He couldn’t get past the second inning, where he gave up a Yunel Escobar grand slam. After his six run second, the Phils were not going to win, and as has been the norm, they lost by a wide margin.

Shane Youman couldn’t do much better, surrendering three in his inning. But Clay Condrey (one inning), John Ennis (two innings) and Carlos Carrasco (three innings) were scoreless and effective. Most surprising was Ennis, who struck out four of the six batters he got out. Carrasco struck out two and walked none in his three frames.

Greg Dobbs — why does it always seem as if he’s the only offensive highlight in these blowouts? — homered in the loss.

What we got out of this game:

1. Francisco Rosario — join the rest of the pack.
2. Is John Ennis now a candidate?
3. Greg Dobbs is the king of pointless RBI.

And why do I feel sorry for Brian and the rest of Phillies Nation? Well, they’re down in Clearwater right now, which would be fantastic … however … they have to see Adam Eaton pitch. He throws against the Twins today at 1:05 p.m. JD Durbin follows, with JC Romero, Tom Gordon and Fabio Castro slated to also pitch.

Phillies Nation in Clearwater: While I couldn’t make the trip, the rest of the crew is down in Clearwater for Spring Training this weekend. They’ll be taking in today’s game and Monday’s contest against the Indians. Check back with updates from Florida all weekend.

Phillies cut Bohn, Outman:  TJ Bohn and Josh Outman were sent to Minor League camp. Bohn — 1-10 in his spring — will likely start 2008 in AAA Lehigh Valley while Outman — who was very shaky throughout the spring but has promise — will likely go to AA Reading, joining (hopefully) Carlos Carrasco and Andrew Carpenter in a stacked rotation.

Rollins talks to Men’s Journal: In a nice interview in the April issue of Men’s Journal, J-Roll talks about his MVP season, his education from Gary Sheffield, his hope for Chase Utley to “smile” and his 2008 prospects:

“We’re going to win; it’s gonna come down to who wants it more, and we want to win more than the Mets do. Truthfully, I don’t worry about anybody in our division, or anybody in our league for that matter. I’m not worried about getting into the playoffs, because that part is accomplished. We’re a playoff team now. Our next goal is to win the World Series.”

Manuel sick of losing: Charlie Manuel says guys are too relaxed right now, and need to start playing ball. The Phillies — who are 5-11-1 this spring — have been dragging offensively and failing with pitching. Manuel better do something; he quotes Billy Martin:

“Like Billy Martin said, ‘It’s not like a light bulb, you can’t turn it on and off.”

Maybe, but maybe not. Maybe it is a light bulb, and you have to hurl a shoe at it or something. Whatever the case, do it. The team can’t start the season 4-11 again. No way.

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