Bouncing Back
This West Coast trip hasn’t treated me (personally) or the Phillies very well so far! I’ve blown two saves/leads in two nights and, in turn, have put us in a tie with the Mets for first place in the NL East.
Baseball will humble you and teach you. It isn’t the failure that defines your character, it is the way you handle the failure. Bouncing back is something we’re all seeing on a global level right now watching the Olympics. The one thing I can guarantee is that I will put everything I have out there each time I pitch — sometimes it won’t be enough, but at least I can look myself in the mirror after competing. This is a performance league and getting back to performing well is a process of much importance.
That said, the addition of Manny Ramirez and Casey Blake has certainly changed the level of pressure for some of the talented young players in the Dodgers lineup.
The players hitting in the 7 and 8 holes were being asked to hit 3, 4 or 5 just a month or so ago. Confidence is high in Dodgertown. We play 162 games for a reason, the season will play itself out and weathering these storms is part of it.
On another subject altogether. I want to wish one of our Prolebrity.com bloggers, Heather Mitts, and the U.S. women’s soccer team good luck Thursday, August 15th, against Canada. The way their team has bounced back has been fantastic to watch and inspirational. Good Luck!
–Chad Durbin



Hey Chad…yeah, we are all frustrated right along with you. What a bummer this trip has been. But no one blames you…you have been great all year and one man can’t be expected to carry a team…you are not a robot. The story of the month of August really lies with the lack of offense. Most of the pitching has been stellar. And personally, I think Manuel is overworking your guys in the pen to compensate for the lack of run support. I really hope the big guys find those bats soon! And you hang in there! BTW, love that photo…your baby is adorable! Have a good one :o)
Jenn
http://philliesphollowers.mlblogs.com/
It’s big of you to blog after a couple really rough nights…thanks for doing that! We’re sure you’ll turn it around in San Diego and get back on track!
Hey Chad-
Thanks for the blog. We came out on Monday to watch the game hoping to see you pitch. My sister is a big fan of you and the Phillies and I couldn’t keep her away.
Hope the rest of the season treats you well and I hope to see the Phils in the Playoffs!!
I know you’re hearing alot of buzzing about Phillies fans, but don’t let it get to you. Phila fans are brutal - understandable since we haven’t had a Championship in FOREVER! But, you have been a “go to guy” since joining. You have proven yourself and your abilities. I admire your humble spirit; others chose to go on national TV and shift blame to the fans!
See you in Philly!
Hey Chad, you’re human and allowed to blow a game. You can’t have a 0.00 ERA all season. Your dad posts on a Phillies blog that I post on. He’s a super nice guy.
To whom it may concern:
Do I honestly think Chad Durbin will be affected by something that a fan writes. No, I do not. I do however appreciate the fact that he comes on and says he’s just gonna put out on the line. Do his best to get the job done. Like everyone else that supports this team, just do your best. Win or lose, if the effort shows, if you go above and beyond of what is expected, this town will love you forever. If you don’t give your all it doesn’t matter how well you do. This town is built on the backs of people who lay it on the line and do what needs to be done. Why would we accept anything less than that?
Hey Chad, You’ve become one of my favorite phillies to root for just for how you always stay composed.. even in rough spots you always are ready to do what you need to which is impressive and inspiring- keep up the great work!
The Phillies just happened to play the Dodgers at a really bad time. They were hitting everything thrown at them. Almost like in the NLDS last year, when a team is hot, there’s not much you can do to cool them off besides weathering the storm and perhaps getting on a hot streak of your own.
Chad, you’re still a bullpen savior. We’re lucky to have you!
I’m the guy who organized Campaign Cheer, and I was wondering if you any of the players heard about it. I’m really hoping it continues to grow and the cheers finally drown out the boo-birds.
Check it out here- http://pabaseball.blogspot.com/2008/08/campaign-cheer-recap.html
Hey Chad good luck through to the end of the world series. Enjoyed watching you in Chicago pitch and bat. We took dad up to see you. Robert Yepsen. Thanks for signing the jersy for my brother Alan. Talked with your dad. He is proud of your season also. Your cousin. Debby