Missing: Phillies Bats
Last seen on April 16, 2010 in Philadelphia, PA, the Phillies bats have mysteriously gone missing. Weighing around 33 ounces and measuring about 40 inches in length, these large wooden sticks may be seen in either a tan or black color with the “Phillies” name engraved in them. If you happen to see these missing bats, please notify authorities at 1-888-WECANTHIT.
The Phillies have gone from the best offense in the league during the first 10 days of the season to one of the worst. Where, oh where, have those little bats gone? Even a very hittable pitcher with an 8.16 ERA like the Giants Todd Wellemeyer could not cure the slump. The Phils managed only 2 runs in the game and went only 1 for 5 with runners in scoring position.
Ryan Howard had two hits in the game, but one was spoiled as he did not hustle on his way to second, did not slide and got tagged out in an embarrassing play. For the rest of the starters only Chase Utley and Jayson Werth had a hit with Raul Ibanez picking up an RBI on a sacrifice. The rest of the evening was more of the same: nothing.
There was one spectacular defensive play in the game; Juan Castro and Utley turned a double play like you have probably never seen before. Castro dove for a ball that was ready to scoot past him up the middle, but he snagged it and in the same motion, while lying on the ground, he tossed the ball with his glove up to Utley. Utley barehanded the ball and threw to first in time for the second out. Amazing.
But sadly, that was the end of the “amazing” for the day. Jamie Moyer did what we normally expect of him and allowed 4 runs on 10 hits over 6 innings. Chad Durbin gave the Giants two more insurance runs in the 7th inning on a walk and 2 hits. Last time out, Durbin was great. We just never know what to expect from this bullpen. Although, JC Romero did come back strong from his last outing and pitched a scoreless, hitless 8th inning.
But the pitching did not really matter; with no offense, they cannot be expected to win. And having to face Tim Lincecum this afternoon is not going to help bust the slump either. The Phillies dropped out of first place for the first time this year with no signs of improvement on the horizon. Look for a sweep by the Giants in San Francisco today…bust out your sense of humor. You will need it.
Photoshopping by Jenn
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*
Phillies Phollowers 
Okay I liked, Sanchez and Wellemeyer were awesome. My bad.