It's been a tough year for Jimmy, to say the least.
We have just passed the one-quarter mark of this season – my how time flies when your having fun. The Philadelphia Phillies sit on this off day at 25-20, ½ game behind the New York Mets in the National League East. It’s been a tumultuous ride through these 45 games, but looking on the bright side, the Phillies are five games over the .500 mark.
Breaking down the Phillies bats, here is a look at how each player has done to this point in the season.
OFFENSE:
C- Carlos Ruiz: .280 AVG, .840 OPS, 2 HR (GRADE- B+)
Chooch has been a pleasant surprise with the bat and, as always, stellar with the glove behind the dish. Getting anything out of the 8-hole is a positive, and Ruiz is doing what he can at this point. It’s a total turnaround from a lousy 2008, hitting-wise.
1B- Ryan Howard: .263 AVG, 12 HR, 34 RBI, .880 OPS (GRADE – B+)
The Big Man is still raking – and still striking out at a high rate. One marked improvement has been his defense, as Howard has committed just one error this season. Never thought I would say that. Look for some big months, and some not so big months, ahead.
2B- Chase Utley: .289 AVG, 11 HR, 31 RBI, .971 OPS (GRADE – A-)
Say hello to your starting second baseman for the NL in this year’s All-Star Game. Utley has shown no signs of having off-season hip surgery. He just continues to rake and play great defense. Can’t ask for anything more.
SS- Jimmy Rollins: .223 AVG, 3 HR, .602 OPS (GRADE – D)
Jimmy plays great defense every day. But that’s not why we are down on J-Roll. He has struggled from the beginning with his bat, and now his attitude needs adjusting too. Rollins doesn’t seem to be playing with passion or heart right now, so changes have to be made in some way. J-Roll is really struggling.
3B- Pedro Feliz: .307 AVG, 2 HR, 25 RBI (GRADE – A-)
Another guy at the bottom of the order showing a complete 180 from last season. Feliz is hitting a robust .452 with runners in scoring position, which has made this a complete lineup (save Jimmy’s nosedive). His defense is incredible too. All-Star? No, but he has been nothing short of spectacular.
LF- Raul Ibanez: .339 AVG, 17HR, 44 RBI, 1.109 OPS (GRADE – A+)
I’m not even going to write anything here. That’s how good he has been and you all know it. Wow.
CF- Shane Victorino: .280 AVG, 4 HR, 25RBI (GRADE – B-)
I would have given Shane a higher grade if he were stealing more bases and didn’t screw up on the paths a few games ago. Other than that, a solid season from Shane in center, both offensively and defensively. You may be looking at your new leadoff hitter.
RF- Jayson Werth: .255 AVG, 8 HR, 26 RBI, 8 SB (GRADE – C+)
After a breakout 2008, the Phillies gave right field to Werth and although the average is struggling, he continues to his for power and play solid D. He is in the midst of a slump where he has seen his average drop 30 points in less than two weeks.
BENCH: (GRADE – C-)
Not nearly as solid as last season, the bench has been off for the better part of the year. That could be because the everyday lineup has been so good. Greg Dobbs, the best pinch-hitter in the game in ’08, is hitting in the .100’s. Eric Bruntlett sits there too, Chris Coste isn’t much better. The lone bright spot has been Matt Stairs. He has hit a few more mammoth homers off the bench and adds to his legacy here in Philly. John Mayberry Jr. has been summoned for help, but I’m not sure even he can do the trick. The bench needs a jolt.
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