As far as Rollins’ remarks, I’m taking the view that it was directed at the small number of chuckleheads that cross the line. We (the knowlegeable, responsible fans) end up getting unjustafiably lumped in with them and labeled as “Philly fans”. So I don’t perceive his comments to be directed at me.

You are correct that, “ A demand for hustle and a singular focus on team winning isn’t negative; it’s a loyal fan’s imperitive” and that it is “reserved and paid for.” That does not absolve us as fans of all responsibility. “Paying good money” for a ticket, etc…does not give us carte blanche to do or say whatever to whoever, wherever and whenever we “deem it fitting”.

All I’m saying is that I will try to enjoy the games as much as I can. It hasn’t been easy this season with the Phils, but I’m sticking with them. I certainly do get aggravated, frustrated, fed up, disappointed, and morebut, that does not diminish my support for the team, nor does it lower my expectations.

Of course it’s the journey that counts; and the journeys of ’60, ’67, ’74, ’75, ’80 & ’83 were the most memorable and worthwhile…special vicarious rides on the tab of especially committed (and talented) collections of individuals. Hope we get another soon; Philadelphia could use a boost.

I’m trying to be more of the “life is a journey, not a destination” mindset. I want to get away from thinking that anything less than a championship is a failure. That’s a tough way to follow a team through any season because you are almost always setting yourself up for disappointment. While I certainly would like to see our teams bring home titles, there is something to be said for enjoying each game for what it is all on it’s own, you know?

Interesting idea. I’m curious to see if it will actually happen.

Every time Howard came up last night, Joe Morgan explained how Howard told him that he has not felt comfortable at the plate all season. Really? He was miserable last night. In his first two at bats, he was getting fastballs down the middle and fouling them off the end of his bat! The scary part is that they were his best at bats of the night. In his third at bat he just stood there looking at two fastballs down the middle. He is absolutely clueless right now. Howard is certainly not the only one struggling. I only single him out because right now he is the most glaring example of our offensive futility. He simply cannot remain in the cleanup spot. He must be dropped in the lineup, since benching him just won’t happen.

Again, thank God for the pitching! I don’t know what more the pitchers could want anyway. I mean you only need one run to win a game. By that standard, Moyer should have been satisfied on Friday night. Hamels should have been ecstatic with the two runs he got last night because it was 200% more runs than Moyer got, which is a considerable increase.

I fully expect to see us win the upcoming series with the Nationals, but I do not expect to feel better about the Phils afterward.