Rest for Phillies? Manuel looks to keep them sharp

It would be a no-brainer for Andy Reid. When the postseason is at stake, the Eagles head coach takes every opportunity to rest key players, especially those who are banged up.

For Charlie Manuel, it's, well, a brainer. His team has a chance to clinch the National League East and home-field advantage with time to spare. His entire starting infield, which has been the strongest part of his lineup for years, has injury issues. Meanwhile, the weather has made as much a mess of the schedule as it has of area basements.

Even before the weekly deluge delayed Tuesday night's game with the second-place Atlanta Braves, the Phillies had more games than days remaining in the regular season. That forces Manuel to deal with doubleheaders and zero off days while trying to prime his pitchers for the playoffs and keep his regulars in rhythm without overworking them.

"This is a repetition game," Manuel said. "You've got to stay sharp."

Last year, the Phillies swept the Cincinnati Reds in the division series. They had five days off before Game 1 of the NL Championship Series. They spent those days working out, taking batting practice. But maybe, Manuel implied, that had something to do with the Phillies' poor offensive performance against the Giants.

"We didn't get game at-bats," Manuel said. "That's what counts. You can take all the BP you want. The ball's coming faster in the game. You're getting breaking balls and cutters and sliders. BP helps your approach, but timing comes from the games.

"If you get a break of four or five days or a week, that can affect your offense. It can affect your defense, too."

Once the Phillies have clinched all they can clinch, then maybe Manuel will spread some days off around. Until then? "We're going to keep right on playing," Manuel said.

So Ryan Howard and his sore foot were in the lineup against the Braves. So was Chase Utley and his knee. So was Placido Polanco, whose balky back prompted the Phillies to call up infielder Pete Orr from the minors. Only shortstop Jimmy Rollins, whose sore groin has him on the disabled list, was missing.

Howard, who takes the term everyday player literally, was sanguine about the situation. His left foot has been bothering him for about a month and would definitely benefit from some rest, he said. But he expects to see his name in the cleanup spot on the big lineup board in the clubhouse.