Jimmy and Ryan could cost us the World Series.

You can really cost us the World Series guys. You really can.

Look, Cole Hamels can't save you all the time. He will only pitch Game 1, 5, and possibly a 7 if they throw him on short-rest. That's two wins your looking at most likely. Now, I know everyone is in amor with Brett Myers, but I can't trust him, Moyer, or even Blanton who's 4-0. The Rays starting pitching is much better than ours and the only advantage the Phils have with the ball in their hand is the bullpen.

But, if there's no hitting and your pitching fails to show up, the bullpen might as well get a big screen, a movie, and popcorn to watch something while their in the pen. Because it all comes down to this Philly, if the duo of NL MVP's, Howard and Rollins don't get their act together, I'm not sure the Phillies can survive another round without production from them. We got past Milwaukee and beat Sabathia. We made leaping catches at the wall against the Dodgers, survived Manny, and had Matt Stairs even contribute, but how long can we sustain that? How long? What this shows is that we are a great all-around team, but there's been plenty of teams who had great chemistry who went deep and couldn't close the deal for various reasons.

Last night, the Phillies were 0 for 13 with runners in scoring position and had one thrown out at home. It's totally unacceptable. In addition, Charlie give me a break already - it's time to end the "Ryan Howard" is due talk. He struck out three times and I'm almost as sick of this due talk as I am of his stupid Subway commercials. He began to heat up in Game 5 of the Dodgers series, but hasn't been able to put together a consistent back to back game since the regular season. Both of the Phillies "MVP's" have been missing throughout the playoffs. Want to take a look at their stats?

Rollins 267 Average with 2 RBI's and 2 homers.
Howard 229 Average with 7 RBI's and 0 homers.

If it wasn't for a few clutch homers here and there from Shane, Chase, and Pat, the Phillies would be fishing in the Delaware River right now.

Let me take a long pause because I'm going to get killed for saying this but...
I would be cautious about re-signing Howard. I understand we've been basically robbing him blind for the production he has put up, and he "deserves" the huge contract from us, but I'm just not sure about his ability as a first baseman (Manuel DH him for God sakes) and his continuous up and downs at the plate all season are a constant headache for fans as much as the manager/front office.

I'd actually go after Mark Teixeira who's a better defensive player and can put up 30 HR's a season. It's not the 50 that Ryan is capable of, but I don't think we'd have to worry about slumps as much as we do with Ryan. Plus, I think they would both command the same type of coin on the open market and I don't expect Howie to take a home-town discount any longer and I can't blame him.

We've tried year after year to get this guy to be patient at the plate and it just doesn't happen. Everyone in Philly gets pissed and doesn't want to re-sign him. Then comes August and he starts launching home runs to outer space and basically carries us like Sabathia did for the Brewers into the playoffs. It's really a love-hate relationship with Ryan. Look at his numbers this season:

"In the first two months of the regular season, Howard hit .206 with 15 homers. In September, he had 11 homers, 32 RBIs and an .852 slugging percentage."

Anywhere else he'd be loved no matter what - but this is Philly. Donovan took us to two Super Bowls and we are still a little iffy about him. I don't know anymore. I really don't. Well, what I do know is that he led the league in homers and RBI's and he just has to give us something more than what he has.

As for Jimmy, I can't really dog Jimmy too much. Other than his "bandwagon" statement, he's been a God-send for us and is the best shortstop in baseball. His ability may be down, but he is our version (better) of Derek Jeter and I'd still take him in a heart-beat over Hanley, Jose, or Troy.

All I know, is that we need you guys to produce. The Flyers have done zilch for us and so have the Eagles. Broad Street needs some floats and if you can't provide them this year, I don't know who will.