Through Sunday, the Phillies had managed 21 wins versus 18 losses. This signifies their best start in the last few years and has them in early contention in the National League Eastern Division.
An optimist can easily point to the sluggish start for Ryan Howard. The big first baseman has struggled mightily at the plate and never was a solid defensive player. An MVP just two seasons ago, Howard continues to strike out at an alarming pace. If he can regain his power hitting and decent average form, the team would obviously benefit.
Reigning Most Valuable Player Jimmy Rollins recently returned from an ankle problem. While fill-in Eric Bruntlett has been steady after a poor opening-day, Rollins is a spark plug for the Phillies’ offense. Bruntlett is a role player while Rollins has proven to be a legitimate star in Major League Baseball.
The return of Rollins should also propel Philadelphia to more victories. Fans can only hope that his ankle injury does not linger throughout the season.
It’s tough to say that the starting pitching has performed poorly when little was expected of the group. Cole Hamels has looked superb in spots, but still seems to give up big hits at bad moments. If he stays healthy, Hamels should have a big year as the ace of the staff.
Brett Myers seems to have lost his fastball. Never one too big in great physical condition, Myers may need to rededicate himself to making his body the best it can be to endure the physical strain of Major League pitching. He’s being counted on as a number two starter for a team with post-season aspirations and he’ll need to pick up his fastball and his effectiveness.
Jamie Moyer is what he is. The 45-year-old hopes to keep hitters off balance and keep the Phillies in games. Most nights, hitters stay back and react well to the endless array of change-ups that Moyer delivers. The key for manager Charlie Manuel is to know when to pull the aging lefty.
Kyle Kendrick is a steady if not spectacular hurler. Same for Adam Eaton. Both right-handers are what they are. The team hopes each can pitch steady enough to keep the team in games into the late innings. There’s not much to get excited about with this pitching staff but it might be good enough.
On the very bright side is closer Brad Lidge. I admit that losing speedster Michael Bourn concerned me since the team has rarely enjoyed that type of speed. Bourn appears as if he’ll only get better as he learns to chop the ball for infield hits and chases down everything in the outfield alleys.
But, Bourn’s an Astro now thanks to the deal with former Phil’s GM Ed Wade, now the head man in Houston.
Lidge has made the trade look magnificent with lights out pitching in the ninth innings. Having a solid “back end” of the bullpen is what a championship team needs and Lidge appears, at this point, to be the answer.
Set-up men like J.C. Romero, Tom Gordon and Rudy Seanez have been solid. Their reliability is also crucial with a suspect starting staff seemingly not capable of tossing into the eighth inning, let alone complete game territory.
Pat Burrell has proven once again that players in their contract years suddenly find the success to fulfill their potential. This year he’s been the solid hitter projected when drafted out of the University of Miami. It’ll be interesting to see how the team handles Burrell as the year progresses.
It wouldn’t be surprising if they let him walk. It’d be shocking if Howard continues to struggle below .200 and Burrell gets moved to first base. But, anything can happen.

You can reach Joe Rossi at joerossi61@comcast.net