Empty the Bench

During Charlie Manuel’s tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies, slow starts have been par for the course. Maybe that was the problem. It’s happened each year he’s been there: they were 1-6 earlier, and now sit at 3-10 to open 2007 (their worst start since 1997). Well, Manuel is none too pleased about it. During postgame interviews after a particularly embarrassing loss to the Mets last night, Manuel lost it.

Howard Eskin, a radio personality from the Philadelphia area, was pressing Manuel about his inability to get angry and motivate the players. That’s when Manuel told Eskin that he would demonstrate his ability to get angry, in the privacy of his manager’s office. Manuel darted off the podium, inviting Eskin to follow. Eskin met Manuel’s challenge, and Charlie could be heard screaming, “We’re going to win!” around the locker room and beyond. Later, during Freddy Garcia’s interview cameras suddenly moved away from that night’s starter back to Manuel as he could be heard yelling more at Eskin such as, “I been growed up!”, “I grew up a long fucking time ago, you asshole!” and “What’s it to you any fucking way?” Classy.

Manuel - nicknamed “Red Devil” when he played in Japan because of his explosive temper - challenged his questioner to meet him in Manuel’s office, where, Manuel promised, he would display temper.

And, there, Manuel did, for several minutes, loudly enough to be heard from 20 yards away through closed doors. Manuel’s point: He does get mad, and he resented what he considers the radio host’s continual unfair criticism of Manuel.

After that confrontation, Manuel, on his way through the clubhouse, resumed hollering at the radio personality when they locked eyes. A Phillies coach and a media relations representative ushered Manuel, spewing profanity, out the back of the clubhouse.

Then this news came out today: Manuel is moving Brett Myers from the front of the rotation to middle relief. He’ll be the primary setup man for closer Tom Gordon. You read that right, the Phillies are moving their opening day starter and staff ace to middle relief. I’m having trouble coming up with any precedent for this kind of move. Just two weeks into the season it seems shockingly early to press the panic button, especially with a head-scratcher of this magnitude. I mean, the guy has given up some runs, granted, but he had a solid spring and he’s been their best starting pitcher for the last two seasons. Did I mention he started opening day?!

Even though his ERA is sky high, he’s only had three starts and in those has recorded 19 Ks in 15.1 innings. I really don’t know what to make of the move, I’m befuddled, but for Brett’s fantasy owners and Philly fans everywhere we just have to hope this insanity doesn’t last. Scratch that, the insanity can stay. I like that. I just want Myers back in the rotation.