Wake Up Call For The World Champion Phillies
by: Brad Diamond Sports
The Phillies just won three straight games versus a Washington club that was 0-6 on the road losing 36-19 overall, versus the Mets and the World Champions. The Phils next ten games, include three in San Diego, four in Los Angeles and three against the Mets, all on the road. Philadelphia goes out west with an injured pitching staff, recently losing the improving Brett Myers to a hip injury. Fortunately, their bull pen gets a wake up call with lefty J. C. Romero eligible to throw this week in San Diego. Closer, Brad Lidge looked good over his last three outings, but that should have an asterisk with Washington being the opposition. In addition, I’m not excited about Ryan Madson. The hurler appears to be slipping back into the bad habits of 2008. Granted Kentucky Joe Blanton has been marvelous of late, but he goes against the Padres and Dodgers in his next two mound tests. For Philadelphia to be successful over the next two weeks they will need super performances from their ace starter Cole Hamels (3-2, 5.21) who has been finding the groove lately. To support the worst team ERA in the National League the Phillies have promoted farmhand Antonio Bastardo (3-2, 1.89) who is an emerging port sider. Despite the run support of late Philadelphia has Rollins and Werth in slump. LF Ibanez has been on fire leading the majors in a few categories during the first two months of the season. However, it appears the veteran has a bad habit of chasing high and outside pitches. This next go around in league play will, most likely, see a dip in productivity.
Tonight, Philadelphia visits the Padres (25-25) who have been incredible in the early going. Recently, they are on a 12-3 run, while carving out a 17-6 record at Petco Park. However, the visitor may have caught a break in this series with San Diego veteran Jake Peavy having ankle problems. When visiting Los Angeles, the Phillies will face the best record in the majors (35-17) carrying a super 18-5 home mark. The Dodgers have actually improved after the injury to Manny Rameriz. In a May visit to Citizens Bank Park, Los Angeles took 2 of 3 from Philly, out scoring them 17-10. Hamels gave up a key home run to Loney in the 7th inning in game #3 to help send the World Champs down to defeat. The Mets series will be interesting with a current record of 28-20 and a 17-9 home mark, the improving New Yorkers will look to take out their arch rival. In early May, the Mets won 3 of 4 from Philadelphia setting the stage for a playoff enviornment up in New York. Remember, the Mets are coming off a 19-9 May generated by a pitching staff with a league leading 3.34 ERA. On the season, New York has a 1.38 WHIP, amazing considering the competition and the history of this vacillating pitching staff.
In closing, if Philadelphia ends with a one game advantage on this road swing manager Charlie Manuel will be elated. But, our charts indicate Philadelphia will be hitting a down cycle considering their lack of success versus winning teams in the early going. Good luck and have a great summer.