"Tim Lincecum has two Cy Young Awards and a World Series title to his credit, but two weeks ago, fresh off consecutive losses to Lincecum and Matt Cain, Charlie Manuel insisted that the Giants' right-handers weren't great pitchers.

The comments generated their share of grumbling from the Giants, who obviously feel much different about their aces, but Manuel insists he meant no offense.

His message was never intended as an insult to Lincecum or Cain. The comments were meant for the Phillies' offense -- a reminder that there was no magic to hitting the Giants' best pitchers. They just hadn't done it yet.

On Sunday, the Phillies once again were overwhelmed by Lincecum's right arm, falling 3-1, and never mounting much of a fight.

This time, Manuel's analysis was glowing.

"He was very tough," Manuel said. "He changed speeds good. He moved the ball around. He was aggressive inside. He used all of his pitches. He had a good change-up.""