Beat LA

There have been a lot of people questioning me in the last week as to why I am so tough on Charlie Manuel, even after he led the Phillies to another division title and into the National League championship series.
So, despite wearing ny Charlie Manuel shirt on Sunday as the Phillies finished off the Brew Crew, it will take a World Series title, not just getting there for me to "falling love" with Charlie.
Sure, he looked like a genius against the Brewers. He shuffled his batting order to get some key hits. But, he almost blew it in game one when he brought Brad "Lights Out" Lidge into a game he didn’t pitch. "Lights Out" was more like "Wild Thing" in that one.
Until he wins the big one and they attempt to carry him off the field, hopefully in Philadelphia in about two weeks, Charlie continues to remain a question mark in my book and I think this series, he will cost the Phillies by a move he makes or doesn’t make.
But if he gets us a parade down Broad Street, I won’t ever have to write about him again.
If he doesn’t -- I don’t want to say I told you so.

Odds and ends...

o With the way the schedule is for the NLCS, the Phils might be able to get away with three starting pitchers.
That’s apparently what the Dodgers are thinking as well.
o Not surprised that Boston ousted the Angels.
o While I was wondering last week how the fans in New York felt with no teams in the post-season, I wonder how the fans in Chicago feel. They were looking for an all-Chicago series.
o Bet Fox is rooting for a Boston-LA series. Manny vs. his old team.
I see this series as two pretty even teams going at each other. They split their season series 4-4, with each team winning at their home park.
Bet you can’t guess what the difference in the series could be? Joe Torre vs. Charlie.
o I still remember back to 1977 when Danny Ozark failed to take Greg Luzinski out of the game and he blew a fly ball and also that horrible call at first base involving Davey Lopes.
o I said last week and I’ll say it again this week, since their voices might be silenced at least on television, wy not let Hall of Famers Harry Kalas and Vin Scully do an inning or two together on Fox.
It will easily beat Joe Buck and Tim McCarver.
What did you think I was gonna say I wanted to hear Wheels!
o I will take the Phillies in six, unless Charlie has to make a critical decision, then it will go to the Phillies in seven.
o I like Boston over Tampa -- too much big game experience, but the Rays have been resilient all year.
o How about that for a match-up in the World Series  -- Terry Francona vs. Charlie. Now, I will take Charlie in that one.
o Did Andy Reid not "check the manuel" for the second straight week? He went up the middle three times the previous week against Chicago and got nothing.
This week, he tried it twice against the Redskins and not nothing.
Had it not been for "Charlie" like moves, the Eagles might be unbeaten, or have one loss.