Philadelphia Phillies 2008 Midseason Update

On the strength of a stingy bullpen, the Philadelphia Phillies currently hold the top spot in the NL East.

Philadelphia Phillies: Overview
Not to take anything away from the Philadelphia Phillies, but 2008 has been a down year as far as the quality of play in the National League East division. Currently the Philadelphia Phillies are holding on to first place in a division of erratic teams. The Philadelphia Phillies probably owe this lead to a bullpen that has performed consistently this season because in all other facets of baseball the Philadelphia Phillies have been frustratingly unpredictable. When their bats and starting pitchers heat up the Philadelphia Phillies can play with any team in the National League but unfortunately, they have not found a comfort zone. If the Philadelphia Phillies find a way to even out their offense, the Philadelphia Phillies could finally live up to their first-place ranking. Until the Philadelphia Phillies find some kind of footing, they will remain a team that has an unconvincing lead in a dreary division.

Philadelphia Phillies: Offense
One of the sore spots for the Philadelphia Phillies has been their fickle offense, an offense that has produced fewer than four runs in 10 of their last 20 games. If the Philadelphia Phillies expect to keep their lead in the NL East, they will have to find a way to perform at the plate on a consistent basis. Most of the Philadelphia Phillies’ ups and downs can be traced to a lackluster season from last year’s NL MVP SS Jimmy Rollins.

Recently, left fielder Pat Burrell has hit a hot streak batting .371 in the past 15 games. Pat Burrell is not the only streaking Philadelphia Phillies player; Ryan Howard is currently on a 12-game hitting streak. Batting in his 81st run in early July with a solo home run, first baseman Ryan Howard set the Philadelphia Phillies record for most RBIs before the All-Star break. The home run also put Ryan Howard into a tie for the most home runs in the major league with teammate Chase Utley.

Philadelphia Phillies: Defense
If not for the bullpen, the Philadelphia Phillies would be in a tough spot and surely not sitting in first place. The starting pitchers of the Philadelphia Phillies have amassed an astronomical combined ERA of 4.51 which makes them the 17th-worst pitching staff in baseball. Fortunately for the Philadelphia Phillies their bullpen is the best in baseball. In early July, the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen had pitched to a 17-9 record with a stingy 2.51 ERA. It is true in Major League Baseball that good pitching will beat good hitting on any given at bat. Right-handed pitcher Brad Lidge has saved 20 games in as many attempts for the Philadelphia Phillies, making him the only pitcher in the National League that has not blown any saves this season. In fact, Brad Lidge’s streak extends to last season, giving him 23 consecutive saves.

JA Happ was recently added to the Philadelphia Phillies pitching rotation to fill the spot vacated when Brett Myers was sent to the minors to work out the kinks in his mechanics. After a stellar performance in his latest start JA Happ will likely be invited to stay longer to add something new to the starting rotation.

Philadelphia Phillies: Standings
The Philadelphia Phillies are currently clinging to the top spot in the NL East. A 49-43 record is good enough for a narrow 1.5 game lead over the Florida Marlins and the surging New York Mets. 2008 has been a season of hot and cold streaks for the Philadelphia Phillies. In order to hold on to their minute lead, the Philadelphia Phillies will have to hold off the New York Mets who have found a hot streak of their own. With a tough schedule surrounding the All-Star break, this will take some soul searching on the part of the Philadelphia Phillies. Erratic play may be enough to get the Philadelphia Phillies the NL East crown, but it will not be enough to seriously contend in the postseason.

Philadelphia Phillies: Standouts
Recently RF Pat Burrell has been a sure bet to reach base, having done so in 15 consecutive games. Pat Burrell hopes that his recent surge on offense will be enough for a trip to Yankee Stadium for the 2008 All-Star Game. RHP Brad Lidge has proven to be a solid pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Brad Lidge recorded his 20th consecutive save on a scoreless ninth inning in Early July, leaving him two short of the Philadelphia Phillies team record of 22 straight saves.

Philadelphia Phillies: 2008 Outlook
For the Philadelphia Phillies the fact that good pitching stops good hitting is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen can stop some of the biggest bats in baseball but, on the other, a struggling offense is not capable of producing runs when faced with solid opposing pitchers. With the Mets currently on an upswing in their season, the Philadelphia Phillies must hope that their staggering offense finds a way to stand and offer support for their stellar bullpen.