It's been a while, hasn't it? Rather than use the time and space for a long explanation, let's just say that some financial issues still remain unresolved, but ongoing negotiations are encouraging. In the interim, From the Press Box will be on the Web until an agreement is reached.
While some tend to think of the break as the division of the halves, the Phillies actually hit the 81-game mark this year on June 27 with a 43-38 record. The team peaked on June 13 when its 20-2 victory in St. Louis put the Phils 13 games above .500 (41-28) and four games ahead of the rest of the field in the National League's Eastern Division. At the All-Star break, the team had actually completed nearly three-fifths of its schedule with a 52-44 mark.
For what it's worth, here are a few observations from the "first half."
Although the June swoon (12-14), put a damper on a hot start, the Phillies had been on a roll with mediocre starting pitching, particularly the disappointing numbers turned in by Brett Myers (3-9) and Adam Eaton (3-8). The biggest surprise has been the bullpen, and I'm not just talking about Brad Lidge. Chad Durbin and J.C. Romero have found their niche with this team, and they complement the known roles of current set-up man Ryan Madson and closer Lidge.
"He throws strikes, and he keeps his pitches down, and he works both sides of the plate," manager Charlie Manuel recently said after Durbin turned in another stellar performance. "Durbin's been good for us all year. He has a big role in our bullpen."
Statistically speaking, starter Cole Hamels has an outside chance at 20 wins, and both veteran Jamie Moyer and sophomore Kyle Kendrick could finish with 15 or 16 wins each, barring any trades or injuries.
My next post won't be until after the no-waivers trading deadline (July 31), so any transactions made over the next two weeks could change the dynamics of this team.
Offensively, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Pat Burrell should each finish with 40-plus home runs, again barring injuries, and Pedro Feliz has an outside chance of clouting 20 homers.
At the turnstiles, the club had sold out 31 of 50 home dates at Citizens Bank Park, an indication that this city is getting Phillies Phever not seen since the glory years of 1976-83.
There are many unanswered questions at this point, what with the addition of Joe Blanton and the return of Myers to the rotation. Also, if the team doesn't break its offensive slump soon, it's going to take a toll on the pitching staff. Any roster moves over the next two weeks could be crucial.
The trade rumor sending outfielder Shane Victorino and minor leaguers J.A. Happ (LHP), Carlos Carrasco (RHP) and Lou Marson (C) to Colorado for outfielder Matt Holliday and reliever Brian Fuentes made no sense.
Although it would have been nice to see Holliday in the Phillies' lineup, Happ, Carrasco and Marson are among the top 10 prospects in the system — Carrasco and Marson are in the top three — and this organization will not mortgage the long-term future for a one-year fix.
Philadelphia doesn't have much else down on the farm, and the organization can't afford to clean house now to rent a relief pitcher for two months. Fuentes has an out clause in his contract, and since he wants to be a closer, there will be no room for him in this bullpen in 2009 since Lidge has re-upped for three more years.
Look for general manager Pat Gillick to make a move soon, but he won't make this one.
Next post: Aug. 6.
© 2008 www.Bill-McFarland.com
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