Bo Must Go

It is a sad day, but the conclusion has been reached that Phillies manager Larry Bowa has to be fired. Now. Before the team completely implodes and any hopes of making the playoffs are irrevocably dashed.

I take no pleasure from making this call, having grown up watching #10 play SS for the 1980 World Series team. Bowa's fierier demeanor was a refreshing change from the sleepwalking Terry Francona, and we all had high hopes that he could instill in the roster the sense of urgency and balls out play that epitomized his own playing career. Alas, the players appear to have tuned him out and he appears not to have an improvement strategy beyond his animated antics.

Sure, the pitching staff injuries have not helped the team this year, but injuries are a part of the game. Perhaps it may have been overcome if the supposed "ace," the not-soon-enough to be leaving Kevin Millwood, and offensive "studs" like Burrell, Lieberthal, and Byrd hadn't gone in the tank. It's also worth noting that such play can't be laid at Larry's doorstep. (I for one don't buy this whole national media storyline that the Phils are underachievers. Were they that good to begin with?).

Still, the ultimate responsibility still resides with the manager. It's obvious Bowa will not be the manager here next year. So why not make the change now, especially when the Phils are only trailing another no-account team--- the highly overrated Braves --- by 5 1/2 games? Especially when you've got a ready replacement in Charlie Manuel?

The season's not yet lost, but Bowa's tenure is. It's time for him to go.