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Giving myself the Barry Horowitz treatment

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From time to time, this guy right here known as Jay Ballz is happy to give himself a little pat on the back.

Since my last post, where I suggested that Jimmy Rollins was just about to turn it on for the big playoff push, the reigning league MVP has performed like his old self. In the last 14 games, Rollins is 24 for 60 (.400 batting avg.) with 2 homers, 12 RBI, 8 runs scored and 10 steals.

Oh, pat on the back #2...my Brett Myers prediction seems to be holding true also. Tom Gordon not returning from the disabled list, did surprise me, however.

A big welcome back shout out goes out to every Phillies phan's phavorite Asian born player..."The Gooch" Tadihito Iguchi. Iguchi batted .304 in 42 games for the NL East Champion Phillies last season. Iguchi was released last week by the Padres, and won't be eligible for the Phillies' post season roster, should they clinch a post season berth. Konichiwa, Gooch.

Kyle Kendrick has been making a good case for his own removal from the Phillies' starting rotation. He is scheduled to start the 2nd game of the Phillies series against the Marlins tonight. Over his last 5 starts, Kendrick's ERA is 9.14. In 2 starts against the Marlins this season, Kendrick is 1-1 with a 6.10 ERA, 6 K's and 6 walks in 10 1/3 innings pitched.

My personal request of the day (to ponder)....can Lou Marson get some game action, please? The 2008 Paul Owens Award winner, as the Phillies' best minor league position player, has been with the team since the roster expanded on September 1st, but has not played in a game yet. I suppose Chris Coste's .265 batting average, and Carlos Ruiz's .228 batting average over the past month are so impressive that they can't be rested to make way for the rookie catcher, Marson.
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