Sunday, August 01, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

TYLER HOUSTON: Underachieving Phils again in revolt against despised Bowa

It must be August because Phillies players and fans are again calling for manager Larry Bowa's head. I couldn't help but laugh as I read an article out of Florida after the Marlins' latest sweep of the Phillies.

Asked about his job security, Bowa's response was, "It's been like this for the last three years. It doesn't worry me."

Well, it should concern Philly fans. If the team underachieves and Bowa has to answer questions about keeping his job every year, isn't it time for him to go?

The latest comments by Roberto Hernandez and Rheal Cormier are a trend. Hernandez, a veteran who has played with many teams, complained about the uptight clubhouse atmosphere and how he has never played for a team that isn't allowed to relax.

After playing for the Phillies last year, I'm constantly e-mailed by fans wanting the scoop about the manager few players can stand and why he released me in the middle of a pennant race when I was leading the majors in pinch hitting. I've put it off, but now that his days appear numbered, I'm going to tell the story.

At this time last season, the Phillies lost a game in Montreal and Bowa threw one of his tantrums, saying things many players didn't appreciate. Upon boarding the bus to the airport, longtime veteran Dan Plesac held a meeting. He slammed Bowa and his staff, saying it was time to win for ourselves and to forget about the coaches.

Plesac's plan was for the players to ignore the coaches in the following series in New York against the Mets. We agreed we could no longer stand Bowa or his sidekick, third-base coach John Vuckovich.

Another player, who is still with the Phillies, suggested that if struggling Pat Burrell hit a home run, he should not shake Bowa's hand. Indeed, Burrell homered the next day and shunned Bowa. I was the first player to greet Burrell at the top of the dugout, which in Bowa's eyes immediately made me the mastermind of the scheme.

The next morning, I got a phone call telling me I was designated for assignment for being a bad influence on Burrell and in the clubhouse.

Not once did Bowa talk to me about being a bad influence. But he did talk to me about being a good influence. In fact, immediately after I was let go, the Phillies' magazine published an article saying how good I was in the clubhouse on a team that needed positive influence.

I wasn't released for being a bad influence as much as for Bowa thinking I had too much influence. He suspected I was behind the Burrell incident. Little does he know, the real ringleader still plays for the Phillies and wouldn't admit it was his idea.

Bowa got his feelings hurt and released a key part of the team. His little-man complex got in the way of what was best for the team. That's one reason he is such a poor manager. By making an example of me, he intimidated players from speaking out.

I have a question for Phillies fans: Where would this talented team be if Bowa wasn't the manager? Bobby Cox's Braves don't have half the Phillies' talent, but Atlanta has a 4 1/2-game lead in the National League East.

The Braves lost their two best players in Gary Sheffield and Javy Lopez but still find ways to win. Marlins manager Jack McKeon lost two of his best players in Derrek Lee and Ivan Rodriguez, but still beats up on the Phillies.

It's not all coincidence. Bowa and Vuckovich are keeping the Phillies from achieving great things. Bowa should wake up every morning and thank God for first baseman Jim Thome. This team would be buried if not for Thome. He's first-class and holds the clubhouse together from the negative aura Bowa projects.

Phillies general manager Ed Wade has one downfall -- that is, he won't get rid of Bowa. Wade has built a team that should steamroll to the playoffs. Instead, it's limping along and will probably again watch the playoffs on TV.

Everyone from announcers to clubhouse people want Bowa gone, but Wade can't pull the trigger. Ed, if you are too afraid to do it, I'd be more than happy to fly to Philly and fire the little guy for you.

Review-Journal baseball columnist and longtime Las Vegan Tyler Houston played 15 years in professional baseball, including eight with six major league teams. He can be reached at tyhouston2@aol.com.