GaryMrMets
07-29-2004, 04:10 PM
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/9267130.htm
Posted on Thu, Jul. 29, 2004
Phillies Notes |
By Todd Zolecki
Inquirer Staff Writer
MIAMI - Phillies lefthander Rheal Cormier found himself in Larry Bowa's office yesterday.
Lefthander Billy Wagner found himself on a plane to Philadelphia.
Cormier spoke after Tuesday's 5-2 loss to Florida at Pro Player Stadium about the bad energy that flows through the clubhouse and dugout: "I've seen it a lot of times. Just in general. It's a lot of stuff that takes place, and it's not positive... . It's pins and needles in here. It makes it very tough."
The meeting between Cormier and Bowa lasted a couple of minutes. Cormier afterward said he meant what he said Tuesday.
No regrets.
"It's done," Cormier said. "Today is a new day."
Wagner, who has not pitched since July 21 because of a left shoulder strain, woke up yesterday with shoulder stiffness after he threw Tuesday. Bowa said Wagner didn't want to continue to throw and possibly injure himself further. Team physician Michael Ciccotti will examine Wagner today as righthander Amaury Telemaco joins the team as a precaution.
It's obvious that if Wagner lands on the disabled list, it will be a major blow to the bullpen.
Bowa, who said his players should be embarrassed after Tuesday's loss, didn't consider Cormier's comments a blow. And he said any negativity isn't coming from the coaching staff.
"How's it pins and needles?" Bowa said. "I don't even go in the clubhouse. I don't even go out there. They run the whole clubhouse. I don't run the clubhouse."
Players tiptoed around the issue yesterday afternoon.
"I think it's very important for players to respect the manager, for players to obviously have a good communication with their manager so you can play relaxed, to make you feel comfortable," catcher Mike Lieberthal said.
Can that be improved?
"Good question," he said.
Others just kept quiet about it.
"Sorry," first baseman Jim Thome said. "But I don't want to comment on that."
"I think everyone is entitled to their opinions," third baseman David Bell said. "It's important as a player to stay focused on doing their job and going out and trying to win the game."
Righthander Roberto Hernandez, pressed by a reporter, backed up Cormier.
"Everybody just needs to relax," he said. "This game is a kid's game. You've got to play with a kid's passion. But we've got guys that are afraid to make mistakes. We're playing not to lose instead of playing to win."
Bowa, who doesn't see a team meeting in his future, said he has no problems with players speaking their minds. He spoke his as a player.
"And as a coaching staff, they have their right to be frustrated," Bowa said. "And they don't make nearly as much money. And they can't catch a ball or field a ball. But they give their heart and soul every game, those coaches. They're frustrated. But they can't do anything about it because they're not playing."
What can Bowa do to alleviate any tension in the clubhouse?
"Just keep rooting for them," he said. "All the coaches root every time a guy is up. That's all you can do. There's nothing else you can do... . Nobody is asking the players to change their personalities. And nobody is asking the coaches to change their personalities. You just got to deal with it. You make a lot of money. Deal with it."
Extra bases. Marlins closer Armando Benitez was not available against the Phillies last night and might be sidelined until next week because of inflammation in his pitching elbow. Benitez has 33 saves and is 2-1 with a 1.25 ERA.
Posted on Thu, Jul. 29, 2004
Phillies Notes |
By Todd Zolecki
Inquirer Staff Writer
MIAMI - Phillies lefthander Rheal Cormier found himself in Larry Bowa's office yesterday.
Lefthander Billy Wagner found himself on a plane to Philadelphia.
Cormier spoke after Tuesday's 5-2 loss to Florida at Pro Player Stadium about the bad energy that flows through the clubhouse and dugout: "I've seen it a lot of times. Just in general. It's a lot of stuff that takes place, and it's not positive... . It's pins and needles in here. It makes it very tough."
The meeting between Cormier and Bowa lasted a couple of minutes. Cormier afterward said he meant what he said Tuesday.
No regrets.
"It's done," Cormier said. "Today is a new day."
Wagner, who has not pitched since July 21 because of a left shoulder strain, woke up yesterday with shoulder stiffness after he threw Tuesday. Bowa said Wagner didn't want to continue to throw and possibly injure himself further. Team physician Michael Ciccotti will examine Wagner today as righthander Amaury Telemaco joins the team as a precaution.
It's obvious that if Wagner lands on the disabled list, it will be a major blow to the bullpen.
Bowa, who said his players should be embarrassed after Tuesday's loss, didn't consider Cormier's comments a blow. And he said any negativity isn't coming from the coaching staff.
"How's it pins and needles?" Bowa said. "I don't even go in the clubhouse. I don't even go out there. They run the whole clubhouse. I don't run the clubhouse."
Players tiptoed around the issue yesterday afternoon.
"I think it's very important for players to respect the manager, for players to obviously have a good communication with their manager so you can play relaxed, to make you feel comfortable," catcher Mike Lieberthal said.
Can that be improved?
"Good question," he said.
Others just kept quiet about it.
"Sorry," first baseman Jim Thome said. "But I don't want to comment on that."
"I think everyone is entitled to their opinions," third baseman David Bell said. "It's important as a player to stay focused on doing their job and going out and trying to win the game."
Righthander Roberto Hernandez, pressed by a reporter, backed up Cormier.
"Everybody just needs to relax," he said. "This game is a kid's game. You've got to play with a kid's passion. But we've got guys that are afraid to make mistakes. We're playing not to lose instead of playing to win."
Bowa, who doesn't see a team meeting in his future, said he has no problems with players speaking their minds. He spoke his as a player.
"And as a coaching staff, they have their right to be frustrated," Bowa said. "And they don't make nearly as much money. And they can't catch a ball or field a ball. But they give their heart and soul every game, those coaches. They're frustrated. But they can't do anything about it because they're not playing."
What can Bowa do to alleviate any tension in the clubhouse?
"Just keep rooting for them," he said. "All the coaches root every time a guy is up. That's all you can do. There's nothing else you can do... . Nobody is asking the players to change their personalities. And nobody is asking the coaches to change their personalities. You just got to deal with it. You make a lot of money. Deal with it."
Extra bases. Marlins closer Armando Benitez was not available against the Phillies last night and might be sidelined until next week because of inflammation in his pitching elbow. Benitez has 33 saves and is 2-1 with a 1.25 ERA.