Bob Ford | Bullpen keeps Phils in race

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, September, 2007 | by Bob Ford Inquirer Columnist

WASHINGTON - And on the ninth day, the bullpen still didn't rest.

After carrying the Phillies for more than a week, there was apparently some baggage left to haul, although last night certainly would have been a nice spot for a break.

J.C. Romero, Tom Gordon and Brett Myers, the best of the lot, had each pitched three consecutive days. The others were tattered and torn after the eight-day stretch in which an average of five relievers had gone to the mound.

As it turned out, last night's 6-3 win over the Nationals was a bit better. Manager Charlie Manuel needed only four relievers - Romero, Gordon and Myers among them, of course.

In retrospect, it  was  an unlikely time for the overworked, underloved bullpen to expect a night off - an Adam Eaton start...