At this point in his career, does anyone really expect more than what we've seen thus far from Brett Myers? His velocity has never consistently returned to its highs prior to his shoulder injury. His command has always been suspect. He falls out of love with a pitch faster than a veteran should. He leads the major leagues in home runs allowed. Ah, but he pitches for a team that knows a thing or two about bringing the lumber.
As of this writing, the Phillies starting rotation remains largely in a state of disarray. Joe Blanton's outing Monday night was one of the soundest efforts of the season for this beleaguered group. Cole Hamels looked to be on the road to recovering his former magic when a couple of freak injuries derailed him, momentarily we hope. The rest of the staff remains mired in less than mediocrity. Myers cannot be honestly regarded as more than a fourth starter and, then, that is only because the Phils continue to run Chan Ho Park out there as the number five.
Tonight the Phillies face a genuine number one in the Mets Johan Santana. A pitcher who inspires a lot of respect and more than just a little bit of anxiety as teams prepare to face him. A starter against whom opposing batters seek extra motivation. The Phillies don't have anyone like that including Hamels.
What they do have is a lot of offense and it was on display again last night. As numerous commentators have pointed out, the big difference between this year's club and last season's is plate discipline. Overall, the Phils are striking out much less, especially but not exclusively,Ryan Howard. They are getting very good production from Pedro Feliz. Shane Victorino, who led the club in average last season, is again hitting well. Utley is Utley only healthier. Jayson Werth is a streaky but dependable hitter. Raul Ibanez is a big upgrade over Pat Burrell. Carlos Ruiz doesn't need to hit for average. Only J-Roll is struggling though over the last week or so he appears to be finding his stroke.
But they will go as far as this group can carry them because right now, they cannot pitch.
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A few game notes....
Shane Victorino is sporting a hot bat but he was picked off first base for at least the second time this season I witnessed.
The Phils have been running themselves out of some bigger innings too much this season. Raul Ibanez misjudged a line drive to center last night and was easily doubled off second base.
A month ago I suggested in a comment elsewhere that Jayson Werth's arm was erratic. That play at the plate against the Mets last weekend was a good example of a throw off the mark, up the line. Carlos Ruiz saved Werth's and everyone else's bacon with his great positioning, grab and swipe.
Chase Utley sat again nursing a sore foot. He's got to stop taking ones for the club. The other worry is management's history of less than forthcoming information on injuries. His foot has yet to be imaged properly.
I looked at the box score this AM (having gone to sleep in the eighth inning) and saw Lidge pitched the ninth and gave up a run. Something told me it was going to be deja vu all over again time and, sure enough, he surrendered a home run to old nemesis Albert Pujols. That should do wonders for Lidge's confidence, which has to be shaky at this point no matter how much he says he's found the flaws in his mechanics.
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