Happ On Mound Tonight

Tonight: Happ (5-0, 3.00), Vazquez, J (5-7, 3.04)

After dropping the first two games of the series to the Braves, the Phillies will try to rebound and get a win going into the crucial 10-game home stand starting versus New York. At this rate, the Phillies could easily be in second by the break or probably third. The Marlins are only 1/2 game back where as the Mets are only two games out.

The Phils heat up after the All Star break but with the pitching being as terrible as it has been and the inconsistency of the offense, this special run could be over very quick. I hate to play the role of the pessimist but this team is showing some serious signs of being a mediocre team. Last year's team was legitimately good. But when you lose your second best pitcher to injury (Brett Myers) or when age catches up to your leader in wins (Jamie Moyer), things tend to change.

Also injuries have plagued the Phillies bull pen with Brad Lidge going down and not being himself all year. He has only converted 14 of 20 saves and has an ERA of 7.57. Clay Condrey will be joining the Phillies soon as he also went on the DL. He probably has been their best reliever. Scott Eyre should be back this weekend. Raul Ibanez, the team's best offensive weapon this year, should also be back during the series versus the Mets.

I am getting blue in the face constantly saying this. Jimmy Rollins is the worst lead off hitter in the National League. He is hitless in 27 AB's and is swinging like a blind-folded kid hitting a piñata. The last time he had a hitless streak that bad was in 2002 at 25 AB's. I've said it before and I will say it again: "Lead Off Shane!"

Here are Jimmy's sweltering numbers on the season in 70 games:

AB: 307

R: 41

H: 63

2B: 15

3B: 1

HR: 6

RBI: 27

Avg: .205

OBP: .250