The offense reached depths of futility not seen in over a century (1909), posting 6 straight games of 6 or fewer hits. They “busted” out Saturday with a whopping 8 hits before reverting back to futility in Sunday’s loss, getting shutout (again for the 4th time this season, or 10% of the games played) on another 5 hit game.
Still, the Phillies posted a 3-4 record this week, dropping both games in St. Louis, before coming back to the Bank and splitting the Colorado series (1-1) and then taking 2 of 3 from the AL Champion Texas Rangers (the Rangers were without Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz). They are currently 7-9 as they go through one of the toughest 20 game stretches they will have all year.
That the Fightins won 3 games this past week is a testament to the rotation and Ryan Madson becoming a dominant force in the closer’s role (Mad Dog was 3 for 3 in save situations). With the exception of Kyle Kendrick’s spot start on Wednesday (he was Jason Giambino’ed, giving up two long nodoubtabouters to the 40 something ex-roid slugger – Kendrick’s line for the game 3IP 7H 5ER 1BB 2SO) the Phab Four were as advertised, pitching into the 8th inning in 3 of 6 starts and posting a wow 1.70 ERA. While the Phillies have had to play much of the year with second tier talent, the regulars have had a hand in the offensive woes as well. The lineup has been riddled with long 0-fers this season. From Ibanez and his April early May 0-35, to Howard’s more recent 0-23, along the way Ben Franciso had an 0-17, and Chooch an 0-23. Jimmy Rollins has looked good in the leadoff spot, but his power numbers are considerably down from his career averages (has total of 11 extra base hits in 207 plate appearances, .367 SLG, down from career average of .433) and he has been extremely average in RISP situations (.250). Placido Polanco had a great April, but is only hitting .243 in May with 6 RBI. Add in John Mayberry Jr putting up an 0-10 this past week and Brian Schneider’s early season 0-12 and it’s no wonder the boys in red have struggled to score.
In other news this past week, Amaro bungled Blanton’s return (Big Joe was not MRI’d after coming off DL and re-injured his elbow) as well as Shane Victorino’s trip to DL (Victorino wasn’t MRI’d either, and because he pinch hit in Wednesday’s game, his stint on DL cannot be retro-active, meaning Victorino lost about five days). Both players told management they felt fine. Considering the Chase Utley’s recent injury history and the age of the team, it’s somewhat shocking that Amaro took the players at their word, especially Blanton. (You have to think that Blanton’s a little concerned about his spot in the rotation in light of how well Vance Worley and Kyle Kendrick have pitched).
Stat of the Week
Carlos Ruiz looked awful good behind the plate this week, throwing out 3 of 6 runners attempting to steal.
Highlights
After a subpar rehab start in the minors in which Oswalt’s velocity was down, the other Roy looked good in both starts this week with the fastball topping out at 95mph with pop. Although Oswalt didn’t get a win in either start, he was good to very good and considering how punch-less the offense has been, the Phillies are going to need this guy. Line for the week: 0-1, 12IP 15H 2ER 3BB 6SO
Cliff Lee vs. Rangers
Lee was dominant for 8 innings against his former team, striking out 10 and only allowing 3 baserunners to get past 1st base. He had the whole repertoire working, striking out the side in the 5th.
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