Manuel Control

Charlie Manuel has faith in his players. Phillies fans are too quick to blame Fridays 2-1 NLCS loss on Charlie’s decision to pull Pedro after only 87 pitches, despite the fact Martinez was in a groove. As a matter of fact, Manuel has been second guessed since the 2009 play-offs began. For starters, everyone questioned his decision to start Cliff Lee in game one of the NLDS vs. Colorado, instead of last years World Series MVP Cole Hamels. How did that work out? Lee took a shutout into the ninth and went the distance as the Phillies beat the Rockies 5-1. As a matter of fact in two postseason starts, Lee posting a 1.10 ERA over 16 1/3 innings. Charlie has faith in his players.

Then there was the question of who would be playoff closer. No way could Charlie go with the enigmatic Brad Lidge, who raised the collective blood pressure of Phillies fans everywhere this season when he took the ball in the 9th. Weeeeeeeel, so far, Lidge 3 for 3 in the closer role this post season and has now converted 10 straight save chances in the playoffs while extended his scoreless innings streak in the postseason to 10 2-3. Charlie has faith in his players.

Now, the question prior to Fridays NLCS game 2 was whether or not Pedro should have been the starter and clearly Charlie once again made the right call. Martinez (7 innings, 2 hits, 3 strikeouts 0 runs allowed). So if Pedro was in such a groove, why take him out? Manuel said prior to the game he was looking for Martinez to give him between 75-95 pitches, which he did. Charlie made the switch because he has faith in his players, only this time his players let him down. A bad play by Chan Ho Park on a bunt, another throwing error by the usually solid Chase Utley and a bases loaded walk by J.A. Happ Three miscues that still could have happened with Pedro in the game. Charlie has faith in his players; we should have faith in Charlie.