FanNation | Tim's Bloggity Blog | Look out Mets Fans the Phillies Started Strong

April is in the books and the Philadelphia Phillies actually have a winning record. You would have to look back to the 1999 season to find the last time that the Phillies finished April with a winning record. Many people think that the late-season charge by the Phillies and the tragic collapse of the Mets was pure luck. Last year I would have agreed with you. I was just happy that my Phillies had made it to the playoffs for the first time that I can remember. I was so happy that the Phils made it to the post-season. They had been so close for 3 years before finishing 1 or 2 games behind each year. Being the realist I am, I thought that at the end of the year the Phils had some luck go their way. Granted they did have to win the games, but they got some help with the Mets losing so many. After looking at the way the Phils started out this April, I'm starting to think that luck did not have so much to do with what happened at the end of last year. They started off with a loss on opening day to the Nationals and I thought to myself, "Looks like we are off to another rough start this season." But no, the defied all logic. They lost reigning NL MVP Jimmy Rollins to an ankle injury in the second week of the season. This only led them to some more victories. They lost their speedy OF Shane Victorino and they continued to win. Ryan Howard also went into a major slump where he just could not figure out what he was doing at the plate. He struck out more times than he usually does and that is a pretty big statement for the reigning leader in strikeouts. I thought that the worst was coming. I thought that it was going to be like the beginning of every other season. Slow starts that lead to trying to make up a lot of ground, and it always seems out of reach for the Phillies. This however was not the case... The Phillies realized that the needed to win now. They know that they could not get lucky 2 years in a row, and they wanted to prove that they were truly better than the New York Mets. Chase Utley got off to a blistering start and is leading the MLB in home runs. This is not unexpected, Chase Utley is a great player, but no one ever thought that he would show so much power so early in the season. And then who of all people decided to carry the Phils... Pat Burrell. Burrell has been vilified in Philly for his tendencies to choke in high pressure situations. It may be the fact the Burrell is in a contract year, but he has really decided to step up his game this year. He is leading the league in AVG. with runners in scoring position, and he is leading the league in RBI's. Let's just say that all Phillies fans are pleasantly surprised with Pat the Bat's busting out party in 2008. Let's just say that the Phillies playoff run last year may have been lucky. After looking at the fast start of the Phillies in the 2008 season they may be making a statement to baseball fans all around the country. Last year was no fluke and they will be back to compete for another NL East title. So I say to you Mets fans, look out because the Phillies are not messing around this year.

Comments (1) Add A Comment

May 5, 2008 10:46 PM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

whatever pace the Phil's are at now it what they will stay at as long as their pitching holds out okay. Pat and Utley will not continue to produce as well all season but Howard it bound to start heating up.