Weak Links

For a team in need of offense, having scored just two runs off a mighty Pirates pitching staff, you have to wonder why Phillies manager Joe Girardi has both weak links–Didi Gregorius and Odubel Hererra–in the lineup.

Herrera is hitting just .168 in his last 30 games, while Gregorius is 2 for his last 22 and hitting .157 in his last 30 games. There are more productive options available in Luke Williams and Ronald Torreyes. This Phillies offense is in bad shape. The team hasn't held a lead since last Sunday against the Braves (not counting the walkout wins against the Nats).

It's bad enough the Andrew McCutchen and Rhys Hoskins are out of the lineup with injuries. But adding Herrera and Didi makes no sense to me at all. I'm really starting to question Girardi's performance, especially after bringing in Wild Thing Jose Alvarado to pitch the ninth inning of a tie game yesterday. Alvarado blew it because of course he did. 

This team is incredibly frustrating to watch and follow. But now that the trade deadline has passed, this is what we're stuck with, barring waiver claims, minor league call-ups, and free agent signings (looking at you, Cole Hamels). The Phils have blown chance after chance after chance and it's sure looking like the playoff drought is going to continue.