by Kerry Kauffman

Created on: June 01, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Note: The first part of this article was submitted during the middle of the season. I added to this from what I've seen from midseason on.

The 2008 Philadelphia Phillies have certainly showed they can score enough runs to win the national league east with some decent pitching. With Chase Utley, Ryan Howard (yes he strikes out WAY too much, but we're looking at home runs right now) and Pat Burrell, the Phillies lead the national league in home runs and have plenty of speed with 2007 NL MVP Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino. This years staff has been inconsistent, mostly in the starting rotation. Let's start with Brett Myers. He moved from the closers role last season back to the rotation when the Phillies signed Brad Lidge from the Astros to take over the closers role. There was no secret the Phillies wanted to bolster the starting rotation during the off season and Myers figured to be better than anyone the team could get in the open market. To say Myers has been a disappointment is an understatement. His velocity is down to the upper 80's, where he used to be in the lower 90's. Location has been poor and thus he has given up more home runs than anyone in the league with an earned run average in the 5.50 range. With an increase in velocity, better location and regain of confidence, Myers should be the pitcher the Phillies have been hoping to see back in the rotation. Cole Hamels, the 24 year old left hander, has all the stuff to be a star for many years to come. Very poised, with a low 90's fastball and a great changeup, he's been very consistent for most of the season. His last 2 starts have been poor but overall he's the ace the team needs to carry them through the season. Jamie Moyer is a wonder at age 45, with a fastball barely topping out at 80 miles per hour, yet with his craftiness, experience, great location and a good changeup, he continues to keep the Phillies in just about every game he pitches. He might only last 5, 6 and 7 innings tops anymore, but you pretty much know he'll leave the game with the team ahead or close. Number 4 starter Kyle Kendrick is another youngster that possesses great poise. With a fastball in the low 90's, and a sinkerball, he's a contact pitcher who also more times than not gets the team into the 6th or 7th inning with a chance to win the game. Nubmer 5 starter Adam Eaton has been a disappointment since arriving back in Philadelphia last season. His earned run average hovers around 5, which is actually better than last season

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