- Hunter Pence on September 15, 2011 - Mike Sheridan
The Philadelphia Phillies are riding high off of a great week, making a franchise record for 102 regular season wins and delivering 24 runs in four games. Filled with historic moments--Charlie Manuel became the Phillies manager with the most wins with 646--the 2011 regular season has been a treat to fans. With the start to the postseason just days away, a fan has to have faith that they can win it all. Here are three weapons the Phillies have in their mitt that will leave them in prime position to take the postseason by storm.
1. R3C2
No, that's not a chemistry formula you learned in your high school textbook. R2C2 stands for the starting rotation: two (R)oys, one (C)liff and one (C)ole. The Phillies rotation has been unbelievable this season. Halladay, Oswalt, Lee and Hamels are responsible for 59 on the team's wins. Halladay is the reigning Cy Young Award winner, and it looks like it will be either him or Lee who wins this year's award.
But the key here isn't just the regular starting four. The third "R" is for closer Ryan Madson; Madson has been nothing short of stunning. His 2.41 ERA makes him the star closer, one that Manuel can count on. Madson even appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated with Cliff Lee in late September.
And consider adding a V to the end of that formula, a V for Vance Worley. Worley is quickly making a name for himself as the Phillies' most promising new pitcher. His 11 wins and just 3 losses make the case that he could be just as big a factor in the postseason success as the regular pitching rotation.
2. Hunter Pence
Hunter Pence, after being traded by the Houston Astros in late July, has been a stellar addition to the team. Whether it's his killer stats as a batter (you could count his 22 home runs, among other things) or his outstanding contributions in the right field (take his outfield assist in the last regular season game against the Braves), Pence is a player to keep around. Though Pence is known for his humorous manner--just take his "Good game, let's go eat!" trademark--he is serious enough to warrant intentional walks. Pence proves to be general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.'s mid-season genius idea, and he is taking every opportunity he gets to make his case as the Phillies' most valuable hitter.
3. The new batting order
Much drama was made when Charlie Manuel moved Chase Utley out of his sacred three spot in the lineup and pushed him up to batting second, putting Pence at third. The three spot is traditionally held for a team's best batter, and Utley held that position steadily since 2006, starting in that spot 597 times. But Utley is known for his whatever-it-takes-to-win spirit. With respect for the change, Utley said, "Hunter has been swinging the bat well. He can do a lot of damage. So whatever is best for the team, I'm all for it," according to Phillies.com. Since switching to a new lineup, Manuel's team has hit well and broken out of last week's disappointing slump.
The Phillies are known for their teamwork, poise, and professionalism. They have been consistently efficient and menacing on the field, and any team that has to play them in the postseason will need to up its game.
Sarah Davis - Sarah writes about film, literature, and television. Email her at filmandlitgirl (at) gmail.com
