Bowa on the hot seat

ESPN.com’s Tim Kurkjian writes today about the 10 personalities in baseball that have the most pressure on them going into this season. Number 2 on the list is none other than Phillies manager Larry Bowa. The Phillies spent an enormous amount of money this winter to improve the team with Billy Wagner, Tim Worrell, Eric Milton, Roberto Hernandez and the unexpected re-signing of Kevin Millwood. The Phils are moving into a new ballpark. Phillies fans are getting anxious. Bowa’s contract recently was extended, but with confidence so high in Philly, a rocky start will increase heat on him. Shallow Center had this story a while back, and dared to suggest that Bowa should have felt the heat last year. I couldn’t agree more and am glad the heat is being turned up for this season. I’m not too enamored of the contract extension the Phillies signed Bowa to this offseason, though I imagine my feelings may turn around if Bowa manages to deliver -- at least -- the playoffs.