Today is the final day of June.  The Phillies are 7 games under .500 and 10 games behind the first-place Washington Nationals.  The season is over.  Cut the cord.

This is not a panicked, “typical Philly fan” post.  The result for which I am asking is several years in the making.  The Phils have been on a steady decline since their World Series win.  After last season’s exit in the playoffs, it was clear that roster moves were necessary despite the talent of the starting pitching.

However, Reuben Amaro, Jr. chose not to make any significant changes.  [Jim Thome would have been a compelling signing 10 years ago.]  Neither Amaro nor any fan of the Phillies can honestly wonder why things are so bad right now.

The putrid offensive output against the Cards placed everyone on notice that the current crop of hitters was inadequate.  Rollins is a below avg. leadoff hitter.  Polanco is a .270 hitter.  Vladimir Guerrero thinks Hunter Pence must learn discipline at the plate.   Moreover, it was evident that both Howard and Utley would miss an extended stretch of this season.

Reubs stood pat.  He decided that Mayberry, Jr. could play every day- filling it at 1st base or in LF.  Mayberry cannot hit a major-league breaking ball. He is not an everyday player.  The platoon at second or first base is equally as laughable.  Michael Martinez, Freddy Galvis, Ty Wiggington…  You are kidding, right?

Then, there can be much said about the pitching.  Amaro should have been discharged after the asinine contract he offered Joe Blanton.  I wouldn’t let Kyle Kendrick start for the Reading Phillies, let alone don a uni in the Bigs.  Vance Worley is avg.-to-below avg., at best.  The bullpen is made up of AAA and AA arms- Schwimmer, Diekman, Sanches, Horst…

How about that Chad Qualls signing!?  Nicely done, Reubs.

Injuries have played a role in this season’s demise, but they are not the primary reason for it.  The inclusions of Michael Stutes and Jose Contreras would certainly not add more than a couple of wins to the ledger.

The club, with its current cast of players, is not repairable.  It must be blown up.  Fire Reuben Amaro, Jr.  The team has regressed since he has taken over as General Manager.  Fire the entire coaching staff.  Chollie had a nice run, but it is over.  Attempt to trade every, single player on the team, except Ruiz.

Boom!  There goes the dynamite.