Jul 13 2008
Phillies first half review
We have arrived at the All-Star break and the Phillies are amazingly still in first place in the NL East with a record of 52-44. Similarly, they had 44 losses last year at the break, but they also had only a .500 record with 44 wins (the All-Star break must be late this year). Still, you have to figure that the Phils are in pretty good shape, and if their second half that is better than their first (which has been a theme under Charlie Manuel), it will be an exciting playoff race from here on out. Especially since the Mets have come back to life, thanks to beating the Phillies 3 out of 4 last week.
Chase Utley looks like a possible MVP candidate, and Ryan Howard leads the NL in home runs and RBI. Pat Burrell has been having a solid season. The pitching standouts have been Cole Hamels plus the bullpen, especially Brad Lidge. The starting pitching has been inconsistent, and the Phillies will need to find improvements over what Brett Myers and Adam Eaton have given them. If they don’t they will have trouble in the postseason, if they make it that far.
