Phillies

I have a theory about the Phils recent slump. Players play well when they are mad, and play poorly when they are afraid. They started the season mad because they had lost the Series to the Yanks. They did well, were in first place, and took some time off. They know that the games right now are not that important. They know that from the experience of the last two years. They aren't pushing themselves right now because they know they don't have to do that to make the post season. Not so sure if this isn't a reasonable thing to do, but it does assume that you can turn it off and turn it on.
Charlie says that he sees cockiness and big heads. He is trying to get them to honor the right reason to play the game.. for the love of it. He wants them to respect the fan who pays their money every night to see an honest effort. Problem is, that is too distant for the players to hear. Their experience tells them that they can turn it on when they want.
Time to see if they are right. Maybe losing hold of first place will get the competitive juices stirred and make them mad. Or maybe Charlie will make them mad. In either case, we need to give them the space to do what they think is right. They have earned that. So let the boo birds take a seat for awhile and get off their backs. They don't need to be mad at the fans right now...just the other team.