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The Phillies are in first place by four games over the Fish at the break. That's crazy, seeing as how much worse things could be right now. It was just a few weeks ago the team couldn't seem to win a game, and now heading into the break, they were unstoppable. Which team will we see in the second half? The team that looks like defending World Series champions, that's who.

The Phillies made a great move in signing Pedro Martinez. By doing so, they added a proven starter, maybe he's not the same guy he once was, punching out Cy Youngs like they were nothing, but he is proven. Plus, they didn't have to give up anyone to get him. They now could have a rotation of Cole Hamels, who has to turn it around soon, Joe Blanton, who has been one consistent starter all year, J.A Happ, who I think is their best pitcher right now, Jamie Moyer, who looks more and more washed up every outing but is somehow 8-6!, and Pedro. The bullpen has not been what it was last year, mostly because of Brad Lidge. But if he can get going and healthy along with the rest of the guys, the staff can be dangerous once again.

The offense is their. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez all have MVP numbers right now and Shane Victorino ain't far behind. Jayson Werth deserved being an All-Star as he is having a career year. Jimmy Rollins might be back on track, and we all know what he can do when he is. Pedro Feliz has been impressive, batting above .300 into July. And if Carlos Ruiz is healthy, the 1-2 punch of Carlos and Paul Bako ain't the best and most noticeable catching duo, but it gets the job done. And Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs are two very dependable bench players.

The Phillies have what it takes to repeat not only as NL East champs, but as World Champs. With Charlie leading the way, I can see it, but I honestly don't believe it yet. As of right now, I have to say the Boston Red Sox will win it all with the experiance, pitching, and all around best team in baseball.

PHILLIES FIRST HALF AWARDS

MVP-SHANE VICTORINO- Doesn't have the power numbers that Howard and Ibanez do, but he scores runs, steal bases, comes up clutch, makes plays and is a great leader.

CY YOUNG- if there is one, JOE BLANTON- He has consistently gone out all year and pitched so the Phillies can win, CONSISTENTLY. Moyer might dominate one game out of six, but those other five, he'll give up 4 homeruns and your down 6-0 before the second inning.

BIGGEST SURPRISE- JAYSON WERTH- We knew he could hit 20 homeruns in a season, but before the All-Star break?!

END PREDICTION- 1st PLACE NL EAST, 90-72

ELIMINATED IN NLCS BY THE DODGERS