After hitting what was probably the greatest pinch-hit home run in Phillies history, Matt Stairs issued the MLB Quote of 2008:
Apparently, Stairs must have liked the feeling, as he again hit a pinch-hit home run last night in Colorado to give the Phillies a 7-5 lead in the 9th inning. They would go on to win by that score.
Many people in Philly were upset when Geoff Jenkins was released and Stairs made the Opening Day roster, but yesterday’s game was exactly the reason that Stairs made the team. Jenkins doesn’t have the power off the bench that Stairs has. Yes, Jenkins would be a better 4th outfielder, but the Phillies needed someone like Stairs to come off the bench and hit home runs, which is what Stairs does best.
I was sad to see Jenkins go, but after yesterday’s moonshot, I’m glad that Stairs got to stick around.
In other news, Lou Marson will probably get his first start of the season, and 2nd of his career, today against the Nationals. Chris Coste has started the past 2 games with Carlos Ruiz on the DL, but Marson needs some PT as well. There was talk on the Phillies radio broadcast last night that Brad Lidge isn’t as confident with Coste behind the plate. I think that was just the case of Coste not having enough innings with Lidge. Coste is, at the least, a serviceable major league catcher. He just needs more time out there with Lidge in order for Lidge to gain confidence in him.
The Phillies are in Washington today against the winless Nationals in their home opener. The Nats were the worst team in baseball last season and don’t appear to be much better this season. Even President Obama declined their invitation to throw out the first pitch. The president will meet with the Phillies tomorrow at the White House on an off day to congratulate them on winning the World Series.
In the require Cole Hamels watch, he threw a bullpen session yesterday and said he felt fine. He’s scheduled to throw again today as well. I just think he wasn’t ready for the season last week. He’ll get better as the season goes on.
-KK
