GaryMrMets
07-29-2004, 04:16 PM
http://www.courierpostonline.com/news/sports/s072904b.htm
Phillies' frustration overflowing
Thursday, July 29, 2004
By EDWARD de la FUENTE
Gannett News Service
PHILADELPHIA
As soon as Rheal Cormier arrived in the visiting clubhouse at Pro Player Stadium Wednesday afternoon manager Larry Bowa brought him into his office for a closed-door meeting.
The two discussed Cormier's comments following Tuesday's Phillies' loss to Florida, in which he described a negative, deflated atmosphere. By all indications, the meeting was short and amicable.
"We talked about it, and it's over," Cormier said.
Asked if he stood by his previous comments, he said, "Of course I do, or else I wouldn't have said it. I'm entitled to my opinion. I said what I wanted to say."
Bowa, meanwhile, said he had no problem with Cormier's words.
"I understand that when players are frustrated, they say what they've got to say," he said. "I was a player. I got frustrated."
After the Phillies lost their 12th straight road game to the Marlins Tuesday, Bowa used the word embarrassing to describe the skid. He was asked about that as well as Cormier's comments in his daily session with reporters Wednesday.
"It's amazing how everything gets dissected after one game," Bowa said. "Everything's cool for 100 games, and then you dissect everything after a 5-2 loss?"
He dismissed the notion that there was more tension surrounding the club than necessary.
"If you lose 12 in a row to one team, frustration sets in," he said.
"I've been here a long time, as a player, coach and manager. If you (writers) want to bury me, bury me. I said I was embarrassed. That's just me."
Several players declined to weigh in on the issue, but reliever Roberto Hernandez made light of it.
"Every loss around here is like the end of the world," he said. "Everybody just needs to relax. This is a kid's game. You've got to play it with a kid's passion."
The way to solve the problem, though, was strikingly clear.
"When you have negative things happen," Bowa said, "the only way to turn things around is to win."
More tests for Wagner: After waking up Wednesday morning feeling more stiffness in his left shoulder, closer Billy Wagner returned to Philadelphia and will be examined by team doctor Michael Ciccotti today.
"He wanted to make sure in his own mind that if he continued to play catch, he wouldn't be hurting his shoulder," Bowa said.
Right-hander Amaury Telemaco will cut short his rehab assignment with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and rejoin the team today in the event that Wagner needs to be placed on the 15-day disabled list.
Friday's game questionable: First baseman Jim Thome was back in the lineup Wednesday and feeling better after sitting out the night before. Despite experiencing diarrhea and vomiting, Thome was able to pinch-hit on Tuesday, drawing a walk, but had to be lifted for a pinch-hitter upon feeling dizzy. . . . The danger of falling concrete from the stands at Wrigley Field could force the Chicago Cubs to move or postpone their scheduled game against the Phillies Friday. The city of Chicago is ready to forbid the historic ballpark from being opened on Friday if the Cubs haven't finished installing protective netting below the underside of the upper deck by then, according to published reports. Third baseman David Bell will likely be given today's game off to rest his sore left quadriceps, Bowa said.
Phillies' frustration overflowing
Thursday, July 29, 2004
By EDWARD de la FUENTE
Gannett News Service
PHILADELPHIA
As soon as Rheal Cormier arrived in the visiting clubhouse at Pro Player Stadium Wednesday afternoon manager Larry Bowa brought him into his office for a closed-door meeting.
The two discussed Cormier's comments following Tuesday's Phillies' loss to Florida, in which he described a negative, deflated atmosphere. By all indications, the meeting was short and amicable.
"We talked about it, and it's over," Cormier said.
Asked if he stood by his previous comments, he said, "Of course I do, or else I wouldn't have said it. I'm entitled to my opinion. I said what I wanted to say."
Bowa, meanwhile, said he had no problem with Cormier's words.
"I understand that when players are frustrated, they say what they've got to say," he said. "I was a player. I got frustrated."
After the Phillies lost their 12th straight road game to the Marlins Tuesday, Bowa used the word embarrassing to describe the skid. He was asked about that as well as Cormier's comments in his daily session with reporters Wednesday.
"It's amazing how everything gets dissected after one game," Bowa said. "Everything's cool for 100 games, and then you dissect everything after a 5-2 loss?"
He dismissed the notion that there was more tension surrounding the club than necessary.
"If you lose 12 in a row to one team, frustration sets in," he said.
"I've been here a long time, as a player, coach and manager. If you (writers) want to bury me, bury me. I said I was embarrassed. That's just me."
Several players declined to weigh in on the issue, but reliever Roberto Hernandez made light of it.
"Every loss around here is like the end of the world," he said. "Everybody just needs to relax. This is a kid's game. You've got to play it with a kid's passion."
The way to solve the problem, though, was strikingly clear.
"When you have negative things happen," Bowa said, "the only way to turn things around is to win."
More tests for Wagner: After waking up Wednesday morning feeling more stiffness in his left shoulder, closer Billy Wagner returned to Philadelphia and will be examined by team doctor Michael Ciccotti today.
"He wanted to make sure in his own mind that if he continued to play catch, he wouldn't be hurting his shoulder," Bowa said.
Right-hander Amaury Telemaco will cut short his rehab assignment with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and rejoin the team today in the event that Wagner needs to be placed on the 15-day disabled list.
Friday's game questionable: First baseman Jim Thome was back in the lineup Wednesday and feeling better after sitting out the night before. Despite experiencing diarrhea and vomiting, Thome was able to pinch-hit on Tuesday, drawing a walk, but had to be lifted for a pinch-hitter upon feeling dizzy. . . . The danger of falling concrete from the stands at Wrigley Field could force the Chicago Cubs to move or postpone their scheduled game against the Phillies Friday. The city of Chicago is ready to forbid the historic ballpark from being opened on Friday if the Cubs haven't finished installing protective netting below the underside of the upper deck by then, according to published reports. Third baseman David Bell will likely be given today's game off to rest his sore left quadriceps, Bowa said.