Charlie Manuel never used those words, but in his pregame talk with the media Wednesday, he stressed a few things that led you to believe that was the case.

One - his top priority is to win games, and, he'll pitch whomever he is most comfortable with on a given day.

Two- the thing he wants most out of Brad Lidge is for him to show consistency. He also acknowledged the fact that time is winding down on the season, and restated the importance of winning games.

Three- whatever happens, he'll take the criticism. "I'll take the responsibility," Manuel said. "It's all on me."

The situation appears as muddled now as it was at the conclusion of last night's game...