Quitting

In today's Philadelphia Daily News, Rich Hoffman writes the obligatory pre-throwing in the towel column. You know, the one before you actually throw in the towel.

But this characterization of Philadelphia fans made me laugh out loud:

Two weeks then, more or less. That is how long it will take the sour tone to be set in cement.

Because that is where we are as a town in 2006. As a major American sports city, in the unvarnished northeastern quadrant of the country, without a professional championship since 1983, Philadelphia does not do gutty little underdogs, not anymore, not with its pro teams. Philadelphia does not embrace fighting back from adversity. It wallows in the adversity instead, and expends its energy taking names.

Accordingly, PhilliesNation is taking names- becoming the first site in 2006 I can find to officially call for the head of Charlie Manuel. Barring a 10-25 start, there is little chance of that. Outside of the true phanatics, everyone sane realized this team isn't going anywhere this year. To be honest, if Gillick thought it was a great ball club, he'd have his guy in here already. 84 wins is the upside- and Gillick knows this.

Gillick has a "free option", from now until opening day 2007, to pick the guy he wants to head this clubhouse. Ultimately, 2006 doesn't matter to him or the organization from a won-loss total- unless the Phillies get lucky. I mean, they'll take a miracle 93 win campaign. But he has a whole year to find the right guy- a whole year of firings from other clubs making other folks available, an off-season of expiring contracts, etc. Why rush? If Gillcik thought firing Charlie would really help, it have been done already.

But if he fires Manuel now, he has to take what is avalable. Why cash in that free option early?