Closed-door meetings are underway following latest failure by Philadelphia Phillies -MLB News
Frustration is building for the manager Charlie Manuel. The way the club lost against the New York Mets and experienced a sweep for the first time since 2006, their miseries have taken a new turn. A closed-door meeting has been called up as a result.
It is not that the Phillies suffer dearth of talent. Only their confidence is low and that is resulting in their below-potential performance.
Most of the games they lost were not to be so, if it was not for their late-innings melt-downs. The moment their offence will provide an adequate lead, relievers will blow it up. Too many fielding errors added fuel to their injuries.
Their relievers had number of occasions where they could record saves but unfortunately those were squandered. Either fielders will not be able to make plays or throws pitchers sent on the plate were too juicy.
In some occasions, the Phillies have been a bit unlucky. The throws that will otherwise not be hit were also struck by the opponents’ batters during crucial junctures of the game.
Manuel is h**l-bent to turn the fate of his side around. Not trying to make any changes, he is hoping that soon, the players will start stepping up. Realising how they have been betrayed by their offence, he calls upon need to make huge improvements on this
area.
"It's the whole thing, the whole environment of how we’ve been doing," Manuel said. "I’ve been sitting here watching for 31 games – how we’ve gone about things. How we get ready for the game, how we play … We’ve got to get better. The whole game. We’ve got
to execute better and we’ve got to pitch better and definitely hit better."
Not being able to defend last year Division Championship status can be condoned. However, what is demoralising for the manager is inability to capitalise on winning situations.
Giving up at a time when little more effort will have ensured the victory has been the most depressing part of their failures.
While their pitchers have been great, hitters like Shane Victorino and Jimmy Rollins need to start performing consistently.
Someone who can instil confidence in players can play a major role in the Phillies' revival. It likes the manager, has a daunting task to accomplish.
Tags: