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.
