Welcome to small ball. Get used to it.
As expected, your 2012 Phillies scuffled for runs in their opener yesterday on a sparkling day at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
Luckily for them, nothing shone brighter than their ace, Roy Halladay.
He gave up a couple of hits in the first inning, but promptly worked out of it. That was all he would surrender. Halladay was perfect over the next seven innings, not allowing a hit. Manager Charlie Manuel decided to put the games in the hands of the Phils new, high-priced closer, Jonathan Papelbon. He put the Bucs down 1-2-3 in the ninth to slam the door.
It's exactly as the Phils drew it up in the off-season.
The offense is another matter.
Better get used to it. This lineup simply is not going to produce the kinds of offensive explosions Phils' fans have become accustomed to, not with the bulk of the their power, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, misssing in action.
Unfortunately, yesterday with the exception of Carlos Ruiz, so was the rest of their lineup. Ruiz had three hits and John Mayberry Jr. had two. It was a sacrifice fly from Ruiz that plated the only run of the game.
This was almost exactly the same scenario as the last time Halladay was on the hill - only that day last October saw the Cardinals win 1-0, eliminating the Phils from the playoffs.
The Phillies will contend - if not dominate - because they have the luxury of now sending Cliff Lee, Vance Worley and Cole Hamels to the mound in succession after Halladay.
It's likely that most days the Phils are not going to need a lot of runs. That's a good thing. Because they are giving no indication of being an offensive juggernaut anytime soon.
Comments