Two days, two seemingly different stories for the Phillies' pitching staff. On Sunday, they got another solid outing from Adam Eaton, played small ball (which they have failed to do consistently this season) and took a lead into the seventh against the Tigers, only to see their shaky bullpen capitulate. Tonight it was the front end of the staff's turn to fail, with Cole Hamels looking vulnerable from the first batter (Grady Sizemore, who pushed a bunt past Hamels, stole second and scored the first run of the game).
The 'pen wasn't blameless, as Geoff Geary (3 ER in one inning) was scored on for the fourth straight outing and Brian Sanches gave up a home run to former Phil Jason Michaels (wouldn't he look great in left field compared with the current albatross?)
But tonight served to remind us that Cole Hamels is not invincible. He's not even great. Not yet. He has the potential to be great, which we have seen in his nine wins this season. But he's still in only his second season, and he's still very much a raw talent. He's not ready to be a pitcher who can be counted on for a quality start nearly every time out.
So if the bullpen cannot be counted on (see Sunday) ... and the No. 1 starter isn't quite a No. 1 (see tonight) ... how can the Phillies possibly stay in contention? They have begun one of the toughest stretches of their schedule (vs Detroit, at Cleveland, at St. Louis, vs Cincinnati, vs Mets, at Houston, at Colorado, vs. St Louis, at Dodgers, at San Diego). That 31-game stretch will play a large role in determining their fate in September -- and 1-3 isn't a good way to start.
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