High Heels On The Field

R- Phils Visit Trenton, While Big Club Phils Fight Still Tough In NLE

It's easy to count Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins out as an All-Star with all his struggles at the plate. But it comes back to the debate: is it for defense or offense? Rollins has played his position with the same quality as ever, and made all the great plays he's known for. But if we're looking at the overall picture, I suppose offense cancels defense out, at least in many people's minds. Rollins is now trailing second in votes, behind the Marlins Hanley Ramirez.

Mike Gill addressed this issue last week on his ESPN radio show. He was of the opinion that Rollins is undeserving due to his lack of offense. I'll always make the case for the way the player plays their position, but most voter's seem to agree with him. I'll even make a backwards sort of point about this one: usually it's a popularity contest and in this case, a World Championship title isn't getting Rollins the runaway win. And the Marlins could hardly be considered popular, even in their own city. Perhaps voters are being rather fair on this one.

As for the Marlins and Phillies as divisional opponnents, it's interesting how all the talk is about the Mets and Phils. The NLE race is incredibly tight still: only a few games seperate the Marlins, Phils, Braves and Mets, with the Phils leading by 2.5.

The Marlins are a young team and the Braves don't have great pitching (of course the Phils struggled there, too), but all four teams still have a shot, with the Washington Nationals left in the dust. Down the stretch, the Mets and Phils are both going to be looking for health to be on their side. Both teams have had their share of health problems, with the Mets big hitters- Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado- all on the DL. Gary Sheffield is also having some soreness in his knee. The Phillies bullpen has taken a huge hit, with relievers Clay Condrey and Scott Eyre both on the DL.

When both of those teams get healthy, look for one hell of a race to heat up.

I'll be on the job this weekend, as the R Phils face the Trenton Thunder at Trenton. The last time the teams met, the R-Phils swept the series. The Thunder have dealt with a number of injuries. The 2008 Eastern League champs have eight guys on the DL and won only two of their last 10. One player to watch would be Christian Garcia, who's been great for the team. In five starts the 24 year old is 2-0 with 0.71 ERA. Though I' m not sure I'll see him pitch when I'm there.

Heels on for the weekend.

Please pray I don't need rain boots.

Phillies Health Issues The Cause For Alarm

On the subject of playing with a lack of fire, there's nothing scientific to prove or disprove the theory. But when core members of your team are suffering physically, there's little to argue about. A lack of health can kill a team's chances. Right now, the Phillies seem to be flimsily pieced together and held by cheap glue.

There are the obvious questions about Jimmy Rollins struggles and in the series over the weekend, the Phils defense was lacking as well. This isn't the team the fans expected to see fielded. But I don't believe this group of guys is playing with lack of fire and I don't have a lot of concern about Rollins picking it up. It's the lack of health and whether or not the health of key players improves that I find most concerning.

If Brad Lidge can't return to form the affect could be disastrous. Even in the case of starting pitcher Jaime Moyer. Health could be a factor as well. Perhaps his body is simply tired. Raul Ibanez has become a huge key for the Phils success. But the guy can't do it alone. His absence could hurt the team over the next couple of weeks, but maybe most fortunate is the timing. Were it closer to the finish line when every game is a must win, there'd be far more to worry about.

While it isn't early, it's not too late. 

What we're also seeing is that Ryan Madson isn't ready to be in the closer role. He said it in an interview I did with him and Phils pitching coach Rich Dubee agreed. He's a few years away. So what we're witnessing is a guy underdeveloped for a role he's been thrown into. While he has an awesome changeup and his fastball is in the mid nineties, it's possible the pressure of the situation is bearing down. Being forced into the role isn't the same as being prepared for it and knowing that's your role out of spring training. Madson also said he felt the set up and closer roles are very similar, but again, this is a pressure cooker right now. Nothing is as it's supposed to be and the team has been shaken up in many ways.

The health of the team is the major issue. Yes, the starting pitchers have struggled. Yes, Jimmy Rollins is not producing enough. But health is the factor that rears it's powerful head when everything else might be going great.

It's not too late, but it's getting later.