After last year’s fall to the surprising Giants, all of Philadelphia turned their eyes to this upcoming baseball season with expectations higher than life. Throw in the signing of Cliff Lee this offseason and this Phillies team may have more expectations than any of team in the history of this franchise.
But who could blame them?
The team entered with a rotation consisting of 3 of the greatest veteran starters of our era in Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Roy Oswalt. Coupled with that trio was one of the best young left handers in the game today, Cole Hamels.
Their lineup is riddled with all-stars and their bullpen is anchored by one of the best, yet relatively unknown relievers in the game, Ryan Madson.
The biggest concern for any team near the top of the league is health and the Phillies certainly have had their share of health concerns this year.
Pitching wise, Oswalt and fellow starter Joe Blanton are currently on the DL with still no set timetable for their returns although Oswalt appears to be closer to returning then Blanton.
Enter 23 year old Vance Worley and 26 year old Kyle Kendrick. Kendrick, whom opened the year in the Phillies bullpen, has pitched to a 3-2 record with an 3.86 ERA as a starter this year.
While Kyle was known to many, Worley came up under the radar. He pitched in 5 games last season for the Phillies, but never got the full opportunity that he had this year. So far, in 10 starts this year, “The Vanimal” as he is know, has pitched to a rookie-best 2.01 ERA amassing a 6-1 record in the process. He has give up 2 earned runs or less in 8 of his 10 stats and has quickly won over the hearts of all those in Philadelphia and to think, this kid is just a year old than I am.
The bullpen has a similar story as the Phillies have lost their 3-top closing candidates in Ryan Madson, who has recently returned, Jose Contreras, still working his way back, and Brad Lidge, who may or may not make his first appearance on the season this Friday. So, whom has stepped up during the time when all three of these veterans were out simultaneously?
Enter 25 year old Antonio Bastardo and 24 year old Michael Stutes. Bastardo had pitched for the Phillies during the past two season and had showed flashes of brilliance if he could just put it all together. Can we say that the young lefty has figured something out? Currently, he sits with a sterling 0.99 ERA striking out hitters at an astonishing rate while allowing just 13 hits in his 36.1 innings of work.
Stutes came out of spring training on a role and many though that he would make the roster, although that never happened. With all the injuries, the young gun finally got his chance in the big leagues. The young righty has garnered a 4-1 record with a steady 3.24 ERA. He and Bastardo have been the two more reliable relievers over the past few weeks.
To put this in perspective: The Phillies went 4-2 on their last road trip. The wins were from Worley, who won 2, Stutes, and Kendrick with Bastardo closing out a pair of victories.
Offensively, Third baseman Placido Polanco has seen considerable time on the DL while superstar second baseman Chase Utley missed nearly 1/3 of the season while injured.
Enter Michael Martinez. Yes, this guy is not entirely a “young” player at the age of 28, but this is his first real shot in the big leagues and he is certainly making the most of it. The super utility player has shown a dynamic glove while playing several positions. He current has 11 RBIs in the month of July, 2nd highest on the club trailing only Raul Ibanez in that department.
Speedy centerfielder Shane Victorino has been ailing this season with nagging injuries.
Enter John Mayberry and Domonick Brown. Now neither of these two are any stranger to Philly fans. Two players with a boatload of talent that just need to put it all together. Recently, these two are showing what potential they have. This month the duo has combined for 15 RBIs
The Phillies have had both opening day catchers on the DL simultaneously this season with Carlos Ruiz and Brian Schiender both out, but thankfully back now.
Despite all these injuries and with a big help from the young stars I mentioned, the Phillies have refused to slow down. They currently sit with the best record in baseball at 61-36.
To think as the injured veterans return, the Phillies will be faced with a problem of whom to demote from this young crop. Of all the problems that a team could face, this is one of the more pleasant ones. The most comforting part is that logically, the Phillies should only improve as these experienced players return.
Prepare for the return of Brad Lidge on Friday. This will be interesting to see how this turns out.
ON THE HORIZON:
Stay tuned for a later post on all injury updates as we will see who is close to returning, whom is way off, and who may not pitch again this season. We all have the good news, the O.K., and the bad news when it comes to the injury front in the near future.
I am also thinking of doing a small tidbit on what Bruce Bochy was truly planning during his All-Star game manipulation of our starters. I’ll warn you all right now; it looks like the Giants appear to have a distinct advantage next week when they come to Philadelphia for a three game series thanks to what his scheming.
I would also like to once again offer a huge THANK YOU to all who read my blog; and I promise that my post totals will increase this second half.
Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!
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