SPORTS
May 24, 2013 | By Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
MIAMI - When morale was at its lowest, approximately 46 hours before Delmon Young smashed yet another home run, Charlie Manuel attempted to justify his faith in this Phillies lineup. It was Monday, the atrocious Miami Marlins had just confounded his offense, and Manuel clutched at words. "The history of Delmon Young," the manager said, "is he's a better hitter than what he's showing right now. " The Phillies departed Florida on Wednesday night with a series victory, and Young was a principal player.
SPORTS
May 24, 2013 | By Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
Before Chase Utley took a swing during batting practice in Miami and pain shot through his rib cage, Charlie Manuel advised Freddy Galvis to rehearse patience. "He's going to be an everyday guy in the big leagues," Manuel said. "It's just a matter of time. " The Phillies manager said that one day before Utley was hurt. He did not want Galvis ascending to the lineup in this fashion. Utley was placed on the 15-day disabled list with what the team called "a very mild oblique injury.
SPORTS
May 23, 2013 | BY RYAN LAWRENCE, Daily News Staff Writer rlawrence@phillynews.com
MIAMI - Among the items littered on the desk in the visiting manager's office at Marlins Park: three packages of Tylenol and a can of Sierra Mist. The cold beverage was open, a refreshing treat for a pleasant night at the ballpark. The pain medication, however, was unopened. Apparently it wasn't a necessity for Charlie Manuel following a rarity of a game for his team in 2013: a stress-free victory. The manager and a legion of heartburn-heavy Phillies' fans got a rare treat last night, when Ryan Howard returned to the lineup and led his team to a 7-3 win over Miami.
SPORTS
May 23, 2013 | By Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
MIAMI - When Charlie Manuel entered the dugout at Marlins Park a few hours before a 7-3 Phillies win Tuesday, the 69-year-old manager was unnoticed. He yelled in a high-pitched voice to call attention. "Ta-da!" After 7:11 p.m., when the first pitch was thrown, it was as if Manuel snapped his fingers and everything went right for the Phillies. They scored seven runs, their most in a game in 19 days. Their 15 hits tied a season high. They pitched with efficiency, led by Tyler Cloyd.
SPORTS
May 22, 2013 | BY RYAN LAWRENCE, Daily News Staff Writer rlawrence@phillynews.com
MIAMI - Cole Hamels grabbed his things and began to walk out of the clubhouse at a brisk pace. Then he turned around, went back to his locker to retrieve something, but again left the room without taking part in the standard practice of talking to the media after a start. It was difficult to blame Hamels. There really wasn't a whole lot he could say after showcasing what his pitching coach called "electric" stuff, yet not having a whole lot to show for it in the latest Phillies loss with him on the mound.
SPORTS
May 17, 2013 | By Marcus Hayes, Daily News Columnist
ROY HALLADAY yesterday had surgery to repair his $20 million shoulder, which, with the rest of him, was 36 years and 1 day old. The surgery likely will end his season and surely will alter his career. Mike Adams, the Phillies' featured addition to their pitching staff, has pitched through aches all season and is shelved for the time being with a back injury. Veteran middle man Chad Durbin, usually lousy early in seasons, has been lousy early this season. Huge reliever Phillippe Aumont, a 24-year-old who had pitched in 31 major league games since he was called up in late August, has pitched like a giant 24-year-old with about a half-season of experience.
SPORTS
May 17, 2013 | By David Murphy, Daily News Columnist
MAY IS A month in which any amount of optimism can be excused, and if you spend enough time scanning the airwaves and sports pages in this town you will find a number of sources attempting to talk themselves into believing in this Phillies team. Some of that might be the result of a coping mechanism - the thought of 4 months of meaningless baseball is a weighty thought to process - but even the most ardent of cynics cannot deny the multitude of variables that could blossom into positives between now and October.
SPORTS
May 14, 2013 | BY RYAN LAWRENCE, Daily News Staff Writer rlawrence@phillynews.com
PHOENIX - Of the 32,785 people who filed into Chase Field on Mother's Day, there was one whose voice carried the loudest, with the convertible ballpark's roof closed. He was seated somewhere along the first-base line and he continually heckled Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard yesterday afternoon. "Swing . . . miss!" "Big spot, game on the line, no pressure!" "Eat fresh!" If nothing else, the man was creative in co-opting Howard's favorite sandwich brand's catchphrase into his material.
SPORTS
May 14, 2013 | By Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
PHOENIX - Ryan Howard stepped to the plate in the 10th inning Sunday with the burden of 18 consecutive hitless at-bats. "Stop thinking," Howard told himself. "Don't try to think. " A man seated behind the Phillies dugout had heckled Howard all game. Now, he yelled again and everyone at Chase Field could hear. "Big spot!" the fan screamed. "Game on the line! No pressure!" A thrilling 4-2 Phillies victory emerged from Howard's bat. He snapped a fastball thrown by Matt Reynolds, an Arizona lefthander who had not allowed a run all season, for a two-run single.
SPORTS
May 13, 2013 | By Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
PHOENIX — Every Phillies hitter had to pass Charlie Manuel before stepping into the on-deck circle Saturday. The manager positioned himself at the top of the dugout steps for the entirety of a 3-1 victory over Arizona. He talked strategy with Michael Young. He patted Ryan Howard on the back. He shook his head, slammed his fists together, and watched more offensive futility. "I was thinking there during the game," Manuel said. "We have 125 games left. We're going to hit. " On this night, three runs patched together by walks, singles, stolen bases, wild pitches, and sacrifices were enough despite 11 stranded runners.