A few notes from Fan Appreciation Day.
Having made the trip to CBP for the game yesterday, a few thoughts on assorted matters.
- The pre-game presentation to Mike Lieberthal definitely had the look of “Thank you and farewell.” Nothing was officially said, but reading between the lines it certainly looked like they aren’t expecting him back for next year. Given that, I’m pleased to see he’s catching the regular season home finale tonight.
- As has been noted many places, Chase Utley is definitely out of his slump. He was clearly seeing pitches well and wow was he hitting them hard.
- Pat Burrell is definitely hurt. Watching him run around the outfield was painful to see.
- Abraham Nunez can’t hit. But I’d put him up there with Mike Schmidt and Scott Rolen when it comes to the best defensive third basemen I’ve seen in a Phillies uniform. He’s got good range, a soft glove, and when needed a really strong arm.
- Chris Coste is one hell of a story. Given his age, he’s nothing more than a couple year stopgap, but right now he’s probably one of the unsung heros of the Phils’ second half charge. He’s not flashy but he does tend to just get the job done. His homer yesterday was a great example of working the count and smart hitting.
- The wind was definitely blowing out for the early innings yesterday, and that’s exactly the wrong sort of conditions for Jamie Moyer. Balls were just carrying like crazy and with a fly ball pitcher that’s bad news.
- Ryan Howard’s double would have been outta there last year before they moved the fence back.
All in all an extremely entertaining game. The Padres and Dodgers weren’t helping matters, but still, what I saw yesterday was cause for optimism. I’m not going to say it’s in the bag, unlike certain foolish beat writers, but they’re in the driver’s seat right now. Should be a fun final week.