"How bout them Phightins - .500!"

Those were the words of Charlie Manuel following his post-game chat with the media corps following Friday night's after midnight victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

Kyle Kendrick was Kyle Kendrick - not dominant, but crafty enough to escape trouble more than a couple times - and the Phillies offense produced.

Believe it or not, this is the earliest in a season the Phillies have been at or above the .500 mark in five years.

In 2003, they won their first two games before dropping two straight. In each of the following four years, they were marred by slow starts.

This year? The Phillies are .500 now. They have three more in Cincy before heading to New York.

Can they return to Philly above .500?

If they keep hitting, they just might.

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The sun is out in Cincinnati for the first time in the 26 hours I've been here; I guess it's not too terrible.

Tim Lahey won't get to enjoy a sunny day at the park, however. As expected, the Phillies reliever was designated for assignment this morning to make room for Brad Lidge.

Lahey, who was claimed off waivers last week, never got into a game with the Phillies.
Meanwhile, in the latest edition to the Archive Files, Lidge said Friday he's ready to help the Phillies busy bullpen.

On the field, the Phillies' offense helped Kyle Kendrick earn a win, much like they did in 2007.