Friday, June 10, 2005

Good Time Charlie

Charlie Manuel withstood his share of bashing, some deserved and some premature, when the Phillies started the season so poorly. Now that the Phils are the hottest team in the majors and have gotten into the fight for the NL East, how much credit should Manuel receive?

Is it just a fluke, or is Manuel's laid-back, positive approach paying dividends? Would such a turnaround have happened under the fiery Larry Bowa, who would have blown his stack multiple times in April and early May?

It appears Manuel is a player's manager and the players have responded. I think that deserves some credit. He stayed the course and kept preaching his good-time message. Now, if the fans in Philly would only enjoy it and forget about T.O. and the Eagles for a month or so.

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