The top of the Phillies' batting order was a disturbing 0-for-16 in a 7-5 loss Wednesday to the Washington Nationals.

Jimmy Rollins was 0-for-5, Shane Victorino 0-for-4, Placido Polanco 0-for-4 and Chase Utley 0-for-3 with three strikeouts.

"I am concerned about it, yeah," Charlie Manuel said. "But at the same time I've seen them hit and I know that they'll hit. I don't know what you are going to do about it."

One suggestion: Start demoting some of them to the bottom of the lineup. Begin with Utley, who is hitting .259 with a distinct lack of power.


Check out the complete Phillies coverage on delcotimes.com and in the Daily Times Thursday.