Enough of Uncle Charlie

By Steven Lienert

It's only seven games into a 162-game season, but I am already sick and tired of Charlie Manuel's act.

After benching Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell, among others, in the second game of Sunday's doubleheader against Los Angeles, I've seen enough.

Let's list the mistakes good ol' Uncle Charlie has made so far this year (that I've seen) and tell me he doesn't deserve to be fired right now.

- How about having Mike Lieberthal catching Jon Lieber on Opening Day, just because it was Opening Day? It's common knowledge that Lieber doesn't like the way Lieberthal calls games. Todd Pratt was his personal catcher last season, and Sal Fasano was behind the plate for Lieber's second start. So the only conclusion I can come to is that Lieberthal played because he's a veteran. It doesn't matter what disruption he caused the starting pitcher -- he got to play on Opening Day.

- Speaking of Opening Day, how 'bout the decision to walk some schlub named Jim Edmonds to load the bases and get to the weak hitting Scott Rolen? It's not like Rolen loves to stick it to Philly fans. He only hit a grand slam to put the Phils down 8-1. Nice choice. At least bring in a lefthander to face him instead of northpaw Julio "Gasoline" Santana.

- The way the lineup is constructed is insane. Why isn't Howard hitting clean-up? He's batted sixth in every game he's played in thus far, leaving no protection behind him. Why is Aaron Rowand batting second? He batted sixth for the World Champs last year. He's alternated between second and seventh in the order. Why is Chase Utley batting fourth? He should be in the two-, three- or five-hole. Utley and Burrell have flip-flopped between the fourth and fifth spots in the order. How about this for a lineup: Rollins, Utley, Abreu, Howard, Burrell, Rowand, Bell/Nunez, Lieberthal/Fasano. Leave it like that for a month. Don't even mess with it.

- Right after Abreu's walk-off homer in the first game of the doubleheader against the Dodgers, Phillies fans felt good for the first time since Ed Wade was fired. And what does our esteemed manager do? Does he go for a sweep? Nah. The guys really exerted themselves in the win. Howard, Burrell, Rowand, Bell, Lieberthal...have a seat. We'll get by with Shane Victorino, Dave Dellucci, Alex Gonzalez and Abraham Nunez. Yeah, each of those guys are interchangeable. Last I checked, the Phillies have won one game this year. How about keeping the 'A' lineup intact until you get on the road.

- He came right out and said the team stinks right now after a loss to the Dodgers. He couldn't wait to get on the road. So how'd they do in the first foray outside the City of Brotherly Love? Another loss...After all the mistakes last season, I've seen enough of Charlie Manuel. Maybe it's time Lou Pinella gets his hands on this roster. If Larry Bowa had players like Howard, Utley and Rowand, his harsh style would have gone over much better. Besides, I've never been big on coddling in the first place.

Repeat after me: Who-oa, Chuck must go.

-You can reach Steven Lienert at stevelienert@hotmail.com