When the Phillies miss the playoffs, and people look back at the key moment of their season, where it all went wrong, people should look to yesterday's game against the Mets, when Manager Charlie Manuel disciplined Jimmy Rollins and sat him down for the entire game (except for a 9th inning pinch hit at-bat) because Rollins was late to the ball park. Yes, I understand that rules are rules, but if Rollins broke the rules (and we don't know just how late he was), then he should have been fined, and that would have been that. But Manuel decided to cut off his nose to spite his face, and benched Rollins. Granted, his replacement (Bruntlett) did have three hits, but sitting Rollins was a morale-buster. This team wanted their leader out there going to war with them. It didn't happen. This game was far too important to make Rollins an example. Earlier in the season, when Rollins failed to run out a pop up, he was benched, and at that time, he was rightfully benched. There's no excuse for a lack of hustle. But this time, Manuel went too far in trying to make a point. The morale of the team is low, and Rollins morale is low (he had a ten game hit streak snapped, then proceeded to go 0-4 the following night). More importantly, the Phillies dropped a game to the Mets that they needed. Jimmy Rollins is the heart and soul of the Phillies. I find it hard to believe that in a similar situation, players like David Ortiz, Ken Griffey Jr, Derek Jeter, or Chipper Jones would have been benched. Rollins should not have arrived late, but a fine is what was called for here. Is the season worth losing just to make a point?

Baseball Notes
The Yankees acquired Damaso Marte and Xavier Nady for marginal talent at best. Granted Jose Tabata is a decent prospect, but the Pirates already had decent outfield prospects in their farm system. They certainly didn't need another. The Pirates could have dealt the two in separate deals, and acquired more that they received from the Yankees. The Yankees stole these two from Pittsburgh. Just another reason why the Pirates are perennial losers.

The Royals top three hitters in their lineup (DeJesus, Aviles, and Grudzielanek) are all hitting over .300 this season. Unfortunately, no one else is hitting above .266. Thus, DeJesus, Aviles, and Grudzielanek are left on base more times than not.

Matt Holliday is rumored to be going to at least ten different teams. My guess is that he stays in Colorado.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Hampton is scheduled to take the mound against the Phillies on Saturday for his first start in almost three years. If the Braves were smart, they wouldn't even let him warm up in the bullpen prior to the game. My guess is that he develops a hip injury by the third inning.

Speaking of pitchers missing in action, rumor has it Carl Pavano is set to begin rehab. I give him five days tops, before he shuts it down again.

I knew I was right when I demanded Willie Randolph's head last year, but I didn't expect such a dramatic turn-around with Jerry Manuel at the helm. He's done a good enough job to earn the managerial spot next season. One thing is clear. If he's not offered the job next season, he won't remain with the Mets as a coach.

Word of caution to the Yankees...Damaso Marte has a career 2.67 ERA before the All Star Break, and a 3.94 ERA after the break. However, on a bright note, Nady is a career .300 hitter in August.

Met fans were hoping they'd re-acquire Xavier Nady who was a fan favorite. Met fans are stewing that the Yankees (of all teams) acquired his services. Met fans are not happy today.

Josh Hamilton has overcome unbelievable odds to be where is is today, but to have the success he had at the homerun hitting contest, and having reporters reminding him of his past, and being placed squarely in the spotlight, and him returning from the break to continue his torrid hitting (100RBI) is jaw-dropping. To go through what he has been through, and to handle the New York and national media as well as he has, and continue his amazing hitting is truly something special. He's got nerves of steel today, where as only a few years ago, his nerves were shattered.



Court Adjourned!