The Ultimatum

Elimination is now a possibility tonight during the Phillies' 3rd consecutive NLCS appearance. The brighter side of things is that Roy Halladay starts tonight, so maybe he can go 9 innings and not allow Charlie to make any decisions. Usually I'm fine with Uncle Cholly, don't get me wrong, but as of late he does not seem to be doing anything in a productive matter. Last night was a terribly managed game by all and every means.

First let me acknowledge that starting Ben Francisco was the right thing to do, and arguably still a good thing to do tonight. Pulling Joe early was good, but even better if it was a batter earlier. But that's all that I can really remember that went well for Charlie.

So now! Chad Durbin. Absolutely he should not have faced Pablo Sandoval. Especially given the reasoning: "We did not want to throw Sandoval a strike and we can walk him." So use JC Romero, or Bastardo (whom was already warmed up.) You have a lefty-v-lefty matchup with a pitcher who can barely hit a strikezone anyway if you use Romero.

Antonio Bastardo. I thought he was a lefty specialist? Don't leave a yet-to-be-seasoned relief pitcher in against the rookie who just found his bat and is on the right side of the plate. That's when you bring Madson in, especially since Posey has yet to get a hit off of him, even if it's only 4 PA's.

Now let's end it where you ended it Charlie. Roy Oswalt. He's great and I get that. It's awesome that he wanted to help the team out, show his appreciation for the team and the club, it wasn't a save situation, etc. But god damn, man. Just... god damn. No comments can really be made for that decision as admirable as it was.

I propose this: The little changes that Charlie has made are only effective if he follows through and adjusts to his situations. Some real life macromanaging. If he's going to change a little thing and not follow through to adjust along the way then what's the point? Start the lineup how it was Day 1. Effectively it is what he might as well be doing anyway.

Ultimately I would have mixed feelings for such an action, but part of me feels it's the truth. Start tomorrow how you saw this postseason in your dreams, Charlie. I know the clubhouse claims it isn't big on the numbers game anyway, plus it really wouldn't be out of your modus operandi.

Imagine the lineup: Jimmy Rollins SS, Placido Polanco 3B, Chase Utley 2B, Ryan Howard 1B, Jayson Werth RF, Shane Victorino CF, Raul Ibanez LF, Carlos Ruiz C, Roy Halladay P.

It's how we, the fans, wanted to see it all year. Perhaps the season has a hit a point where only intangibles are affecting the way the Phillies are playing the game. Perhaps the lineup we asked about all year is what needs to show up for this offense to show up.

In a few hours we'll find out what possible insanity you'll torture us through, but no matter what I'll yell and drink and curse and smoke and drink some more and smoke some more and find time to tweet and yell while I cheer for this team until the end.