New Phillies Season, Same Old Tom Gordon

The Phillies were down 6-2. They scratched their way back and reigning MVP Jimmy Rollins belted a two-run homer to left center to tie it and regain the momentum. J.C. Romero--the stud of the Phillies bullpen--came in and shut down the Nats striking out two of the three batters he faced. For the record, Romero had and ERA in the low ones last season for the Phils.

Then it all went south. Enter the human gas can Tom "Flash" Gordon. Yeah Flash is right, he ignites the other teams bats whenever he enters. He gave up five runs on four doubles and a walk and recorded one damn out.

I understand that major league managers have to do things "by the book," which in this case means that you have you set-up man (Romero) work the eighth and if you get the lead your closer works the ninth. The thing is, the Phillies didn't have the lead. Manager Charlie Manuel should have pitched Romero one more inning and then went to old gassy.

A horrible way to start the season and a horrible coaching job by Manuel to start off a very important season.