Phitin' Phills

In light of the fact that not many Halos fans know a whole lot about the Phitin Phills, I figures, since I see them all the time, I would shed some light on the subject and give you a little preview on the up coming series at Citizens Bank Park. This is one of the best offenses in the NL and they are going up against one of the best pitching staffs in the AL. Should be a great match-up, possibly one we see in October. Hope you guys like this! *Note: My Stats were collected over the past week or so. Some may be a little off, but you get the general idea

Probable Starting Pitchers:

Adam Eaton: In his eighth season, this 30 year-old former Padre, is 2-4 and has a 4.57 ERA in 13 starts. Eaton’s best season was his last year as a Padre in 2005 when he went 11-5 with a 4.27 ERA in 22 starts. Eaton has improved in his last 3 starts but has given up a lead-off HR in his past two starts. If Eaton settles down and doesn’t get hurt early, he can have a quality start. Throws a sinking fastball between 89-93 and also has a big breaking curveball. Doesn’t really have a change-up but when he throws it, it usually gets hammered.

Brett Myers: The Opening Day Starter for the Phills has had a rough season so far, starting with a career worst 3-7 record and a 5.34 ERA. He was a closer for most of last season due to inuries and team need and had 21 saves. Righties have a .305 BAA this season. Myers leads the NL in HR allowed and in 1 career start against the Halos, went 5 2/3 with 5ER in a loss. Throws a cut fastball around 92-93, and a pretty devastating splitter.

Cole Hamels: Cole is a very good young pitcher who is quickly becoming an ace. On Monday he allowed 2ER in 7IP against fatty, Bartolo Colon. He is 7-4 with a 3.23 ERA. Cole is 2nd in NL in innings pitched and 3rd in SO. Phillys are 10-5 when he is on the hill, and his stuff has been getting better and better. Cole is very good pitcher, and will definitely be an ace very soon. He throws a sinking fastball 89-93 that can get to 96 when he throws hard. His curveball is a 12-6 that is still getting better, and his change-up is very good. His change in speed is why his K/9 is so high.

Relievers: The Philly’s pen has ben arguably the best in the NL so far this season. Brad Lidge is their closer, 18 saves (2nd in NL) and 0.90 ERA. JC Romero (former Angel) has been a lights out set-up man this season. Romero has 4 saves of his own and has a 1.33 ERA. The rest of their relievers have a combined 2.10 ERA with Chad Durbin leading the way with a 1.51 ERA in 41.2 IP. Only hole that exists in the pen is Tom “Flash” Gordon. Flash was the set-up man for the past couple of seasons, but this year has struggled. He gave up a walk-off Grand Salami to the Marlins last week and his ERA has ballooned over 5.

Offense: The Phills have an offense that I wish we had. They have a great balance of speed and power with the ability to score 10 runs without flinching. They are 3rd in runs scored and 2nd in HR, but still in the top 5 in stolen bases. Oh and did i mention they have consecutive NL MVP's with a third one on the way...

Line-Up

J. Roll – (.289 BA, SS) One of the best lead-off men in MLB and the NL MVP last season. This guys does it all. He was on the DL earlier this season, but since coming back has been on fire.

Victorino – (.281, CF) When J. Roll was on the DL, Victor was the lead off man. Gives the top of their line up two true lead off men, much like ours with Figgy and Mighty Mouse. Good range in CF with a decent, but accurate arm.

Utley - (.299, 2B) This is the first time Chase’s BA has dropped below .300! He is leading the NL in HR and has been a one man wrecking crew. If he keeps playing the way he is, he will win the NL MVP (however he has slipped into 0-20 slump). If our pitchers are not careful, he can ruin all of our weekends.

Howard – (.221, 1B) Howard has had a very similar season to Vlad He has no produced like he has in the past two seasons, but as he showed on Monday against the Red Sox, he has the ability to go 4-4 with 2HR and 4 RBI’s. He broke the SO record last year, but he also won the NL MVP two years ago and won the HR Derby. Lets hope he doesn’t come out of his slumber.

Burrell – (.284,  LF) Pat “The Bar” Burrell is also known as the Met Killer. He had a great start to the season but has cooled off some. When it gets late in the game, he gets hot thought. He has had 4 walk-offs this season already and has a career BA above .400 when he comes to the plate in the 8th inning or later.

Jenkins – (.256, RF)

Feliz – (.262,  3B)

Ruiz – (.230, C)

Pitchers Spot

BENCH:

Werth – (.268, OF)

Taguchi – (.210, OF)

Bruntlett – (.250, UTL)

Dobbs – (.362, UTL)

Coste – (.306, C)