Phillies Costing Backers Big Time

Another loss on Saturday down at the Bank has the Philadelphia baseball franchise reeling.  Injuries, ineffectiveness up and down the pitching staff, and a major slump by former MVP Jimmy Rollins has the books in Las Vegas cashing big time. The Phillies 5-3 loss last night was a disgrace of major proportions. Losing relief ace Brad Lidge to the DL has started to take apart the confidence of this baseball team. Again, hurler Ryan Madson blew a save and eventually, the whole game versus the struggling Orioles from down I-95.  Madson allowed a solo shot to the talent less, but game, Greg Zaun, and then a two-run shot by Brian Roberts to cover the deal, 5-3 Baltimore. For the record, Ryan Howard did not start the game last night, but did plub a three-run homer to help Philly take the lead in the 7th.  Matt Stairs started in left field, Paul Bako a washed up 37-year old catcher was behind the plate, while Rollins OBA has struck under .260 for the season. Add in Brett Myers on the DL and Jamie Moyer having no arm strength left, and future does not look good for the World Champions. The depleted, but hard charging Mets sit just 2 games behind the Phillies in the NL East, but show with the NL top batting average at .279. Their pitching staff carries a decent 4.18 ERA, while Philadelphia is next to last league wide with a 4.81 numeric. Philadelphia is going through a very difficult part of their schedule, no doubt, but trade talk will heat up this week with the club on an 0-5 run. You can bet on it!