Phillies' Skipper Not Always a Good-Time Charlie

After being swept in a four-game series in Houston against the Astros, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel was searching for answers.

He suggested in a Philadelphia Inquirer story by Andy Martino, that they better put the pedal to the metal if they want to win their third straight National League East baseball title.

"I hear some of them talking, saying we're a team that plays better when we have to," he said. "[Expletive] the last couple years. What the hell? That don't mean [expletive]. Last year is dead and gone. We play for today."

Brad Lidge's 10th blown save put Phillies fan in a funk on Saturday, but the offense has shown some life, but not nearly enough.

The Phillies scored six runs in the final two games of the Astros series. Five of them came on solo home runs.

As Oakland Raiders National Football League owner Al Davis once said: "Just win, baby."

Easier said than done.

But you want the right attitude? Look no further than Jamie Moyer.

Moyer got the start Monday, getting short notice when J.A. Happ went down with an injury.

Moyer gave the Phillies six good innings and allowed two runs on three hits and struck out four batters. The Phillies were ahead 3-2 when he left Monday's game.

Brett Myers has the right attitude, too. He just wants to fill in where needed.

It is not to say that the rest of the team has the wrong attitude. But they have lost their confidence, hitting prowess or something.

Perhaps a trip to Washington will cure what ails them.

Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez all hit home runs in yesterday's game. The fact that they were all solo shots didn't help.

A six-game lead with 27 games left. Is it enough?

It should be.