Revisiting concerns over Manuel's job security

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Back in March, about two weeks before the Phillies played their season opener, one of the featured topics Jason Ashworth, Jabari Young and I discussed at length on one of our first episodes of Burkes Basement concerned Charlie Manuels job security heading into the 2012 season. At the time, we knew Ryan Howard would not be back to start the season, but Chase Utleys long-term status had not yet been determined.

It seemed the public consensus was that the Phillies would be just fine because of their three aces, but I was not so sure. I sensed an imbalance between pitching and hitting, so it seemed reasonable to tie-in those concerns with a long-term prognosis on the manager as we sat down to discuss the team.

The response I received via social media was mixed, and there was definitely a faction of the population that accused us of jumping the gun. Still, I felt strongly enough that what we discussed was relevant and right on point. I believed in what my gut was telling me: The Phillies were facing a potential crossroads of a season, one that could lead directly to Charlies door at some point.

Fast forward to the just-completed series in Baltimore. What a mess. Another lost series that dropped the five-time defending NL East Champs further down the ladder. Eight games out of first place and ten games back in the loss column before the first firework has been lit.

In hindsight, we were dead on to question the stability of Manuels team. That is not to suggest the blame lies entirely on Charlie; there are several factors that have contributed to this awful season. The result -- though not nearly final -- has been an uninspiring and largely dispirited brand of baseball that is a far cry from what has been the norm here in recent years.

Too often, moments such as the Manuel issue we discussed in Burkes Basement are never revisited. Opinions tend to evaporate, never to be recalled by those that espouse them. So, here is an opportunity for you to take a look back at what we said nearly three months ago and judge it relevance now. Our discussion of the Phillies and Charlie Manuels job security appears in the sidebar above.

E-mail Ron Burke at rburke@comcastsportsnet.com

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