GaryMrMets
06-30-2004, 03:26 PM
http://www.courierpostonline.com/news/sports/s063004c.htm
Bowa won't single out struggling Millwood
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
By CELESTE E. WHITTAKER
Courier-Post Staff
PHILADELPHIA
It is no secret that the Phillies' starting pitchers - for the most part - have struggled this season. But none have struggled much more than No. 1 starter Kevin Millwood.
Prior to Tuesday's game against Montreal, the starters were a combined 27-24 with a 4.52 ERA, 315 strikeouts and 150 walks.
Millwood, who signed a one-year contract for a franchise-record $11 million in the offseason, is just 6-5 with a 4.93 ERA in 16 games this season. He has pitched 96 2/3 innings, has 82 strikeouts and 35 walks.
Yet, Phillies manager Larry Bowa refused to single out Millwood prior to Tuesday's game against Montreal, instead saying he needs contributions from all his starting pitchers.
"We need more from all of our starters," Bowa said. "I don't think there should be an emphasis on one guy. Just like our lineup, we need everybody to contribute. Just like in pitching, we need everybody to contribute."
When it was reasoned that the Phillies, for example, certainly have greater expectations of slugger Jim Thome than they do of Placido Polanco, Bowa shot that down, too.
"If nobody else hits and Thome is the only guy who hits, we're not going to win," he quipped. "Everybody's expectations are different from everybody else's. You guys (the media) have different expectations than maybe I have. I don't think when he (Millwood) gets on the mound, he's saying, `I'm making $11 million so these hitters are going to swing and miss.' That's not how it goes. And, it's not from lack of effort."
The fact is that big contracts usually come about because of what a player has done in the past, and there are certain expectations that come with getting a big deal. It works that way in all of professional sports.
"A lot of guys are paid for what they do in the past," Bowa said. "It doesn't mean automatically you're gonna win 20 games. It just doesn't work that way. If it was that easy, it'd be great. (Tom) Glavine made a lot of money last year, he didn't have a good year. He's having a good year this year. Each year is different."
Bowa said salaries are good to talk about in the winter, but when the games start, they have nothing to do with the games.
"Players participate, players compete, players do the best they can," he said. "This year, things aren't going the way he (Millwood) wants them to. Does that mean we give up on him? There's pressure put on players by themselves, no question.
"They understand the sense of urgency. Sometimes when you do that and try too hard, it doesn't work."
Bowa won't single out struggling Millwood
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
By CELESTE E. WHITTAKER
Courier-Post Staff
PHILADELPHIA
It is no secret that the Phillies' starting pitchers - for the most part - have struggled this season. But none have struggled much more than No. 1 starter Kevin Millwood.
Prior to Tuesday's game against Montreal, the starters were a combined 27-24 with a 4.52 ERA, 315 strikeouts and 150 walks.
Millwood, who signed a one-year contract for a franchise-record $11 million in the offseason, is just 6-5 with a 4.93 ERA in 16 games this season. He has pitched 96 2/3 innings, has 82 strikeouts and 35 walks.
Yet, Phillies manager Larry Bowa refused to single out Millwood prior to Tuesday's game against Montreal, instead saying he needs contributions from all his starting pitchers.
"We need more from all of our starters," Bowa said. "I don't think there should be an emphasis on one guy. Just like our lineup, we need everybody to contribute. Just like in pitching, we need everybody to contribute."
When it was reasoned that the Phillies, for example, certainly have greater expectations of slugger Jim Thome than they do of Placido Polanco, Bowa shot that down, too.
"If nobody else hits and Thome is the only guy who hits, we're not going to win," he quipped. "Everybody's expectations are different from everybody else's. You guys (the media) have different expectations than maybe I have. I don't think when he (Millwood) gets on the mound, he's saying, `I'm making $11 million so these hitters are going to swing and miss.' That's not how it goes. And, it's not from lack of effort."
The fact is that big contracts usually come about because of what a player has done in the past, and there are certain expectations that come with getting a big deal. It works that way in all of professional sports.
"A lot of guys are paid for what they do in the past," Bowa said. "It doesn't mean automatically you're gonna win 20 games. It just doesn't work that way. If it was that easy, it'd be great. (Tom) Glavine made a lot of money last year, he didn't have a good year. He's having a good year this year. Each year is different."
Bowa said salaries are good to talk about in the winter, but when the games start, they have nothing to do with the games.
"Players participate, players compete, players do the best they can," he said. "This year, things aren't going the way he (Millwood) wants them to. Does that mean we give up on him? There's pressure put on players by themselves, no question.
"They understand the sense of urgency. Sometimes when you do that and try too hard, it doesn't work."