Liberty Ball

You wonder if the Phillies season just got flushed down the toilet when Chase Utley got hit on the hand.  More details to follow, but I can guarantee that none of them will be good.

The NL East has been in a holding pattern.  While the Phillies have been a good but not great 6-4 in their last ten games, so have the Braves and the Mets so things sit pretty much as they have been the past couple of weeks.  The good news is, at just five games out, the Phillies are definitely still in the mix, both for the division and the wild card.

Chase Utley has simply been on fire.  In 11 of his last 13 games, he’s had at least two hits.  During that time, he’s seen his batting average climb from a nice .324 to a very impressive .339 and for the first time this season, Utley’s OPS has topped 1.000.  Take into account that you’re talking about a second baseman and you could be looking at your MVP if the Phillies make a push and make the playoffs.  Utley also has 41 doubles already and at this point, 60 isn’t out of the question.  Yeah, there’s been a dip in homerun power but his slugging is better then it’s ever been so you can’t complain.

Ryan Howard is starting to pick it up and he has six homeruns in his last eight games.  His OBP is just a touch below .400 and while he’s not hitting 58 homers again, he’s putting together another decent season.  And as Utley reaches base more and more, Howard is going to find himself with more and more pitches to hit.

Cole Hamels has been very good the last few weeks.  In his last five starts, he’s 1-1 with one no decision in the three starts he has where he gave up just one run.  Then he lost one where he gave up three and won one where he gave up four.  His strikeout rate has taken a dip though.  In those five starts, he’s only touched more then five strikeouts once.  The rest of the rotation, and the pen for that matter, needs a ton of work and if the Phillies don’t add a quality arm, those post season chances diminish greatly because Hamels can’t pitch in all of the games.

The Phillies are up on the Padres and it’d be nice if they held to win their third straight game.  Next is three against the Nationals and then three against the Pirates so this is a week the Phillies could gain some ground.

It’s funny because if you had asked me heading into the season whether I’d be happy with a .500 record at the break, I would have said no.  If you would have asked me at the end of April, I would have jumped all over it.  And when the smoked cleared and the Phillies limped into the break, that’s exactly where they stand at 44-44, 4 1/2 games back of the first place Mets. 

There’s little doubt that Chase Utley has been the first half MVP for the team.  You’re talking about a guy who’s flirting with a 1.000 OPS and he plays second base no less.  His homer rate is down, but he’s more then made up for that and he needs just six more doubles to reach his career high of 40.

The disappointment has been Ryan Howard, despite the team leading 21 homers.  Yeah, he’s gone yard and yes he’s put together a nice season but I guess I’m spoiled and I expected more from a guy who belted 58 homeruns last year.

Cole Hamels was by far the best pitcher and he’s someone who will have to built around in the second half.  I’m not sure what kind of magic will be done at the trade deadline, but the Phillies need an arm.  Or two.  Jamie Moyer and Adam Eaton aren’t going to cut it if we want to compete.  I’m just worried the price for starting pitching is going to be super high.

The Phillies have one more day off and they kick off a three game set on Friday against the Cardinals.  Jamie Moyer gets the start and he takes on Kip Wells.  The Mets take on the Reds and the Braves host Pittsburgh so I don’t see the Phillies making up too much ground this week.