Phils stumble out of gate

After capturing their first World Series title in 28 years, and only the second in the franchise’s 126-year history, much is expected of the Phillies this season.  But after two games, the Phils are 0-2, hardly the kind of start anticipated by the players and their demanding fans.

The City of Brotherly Love literally rolled out the red carpet for the conquering hometown heroes on Sunday only to see the team suffer a 4-1 loss to Atlanta.

The game ended on a pair of strikeouts by slugger Ryan Howard and off-season acquisition Raul Ibanez with two men on base.

Last night, things went from bad to worse as Atlanta blanked the Phillies 4-0.

So far, Maui’s Shane Victorino – batting sixth in the opener and second yesterday – is still looking for his first hit of the season.

But the Phillies aren’t alone in getting off to rocky starts.

CC Sabathia, who signed a $161 million free-agent deal with the Yankees was absolutely awful in his debut, giving up six runs on eight hits in 4.1 innings while walking five, throwing two wild pitches and failing to register a strikeout.

Reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee was equally awful for Cleveland, giving up seven runs and 10 hits in five innings.  His NL Cy Young counterpart, San Francisco’s Tim Lincecum, also struggled. Lasting only three ineffective innings.

Ah, but remember:  It’s a long, long season.