While I still think Charlie Manuel is problem number one for the Phils, a close second -- a very close second -- is third base coach Steve Smith. The guy doesn't seem to have what it takes. Like tonight. You send Chase Utley. He's fast on the basepath. He rounded third on a mission to score. And if he gets nailed at home, it's only the second out and you still have a runner at third.
Smith has made a number of mistakes at third, hesitant to take the risk of sending a guy. Winners take the risk. As long as Smith is the third base coach, the Phils will stay mired in mediocrity. I can think of at least three or four games off the top of my head that were decided by his bone-headed stops or green lights. I say move Davey Lopes to third and put Smith at first.


Melanie Fitzpatrick
Brooklyn Decker



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