The Charlie Manuel's Phillies have several strengths. Since chicks dig the long ball, the offense gets all the limelight, but among the team's less heralded strengths are top of the rotation pitching and roster depth.
Last night, the former was on full display as Cole Hamels continues to make his bid in the early going for his first Cy Young Award, hoping to get that out of the way so he can start winning Cole Hamels Awards. Over the next few days, the latter will come into play since Shane Victorino has been placed on the 15-day disabled list.
In seven innings of work against the Cubbies, Hamels allowed just one hit and no runs. His ERA is now approximately Bluto's grade point average, 0.82, and he has a 13+ scoreless inning streak going. All hail the King.
As for Victorino, there are some who have been less-than-impressed with him this year, starting in spring training, but there is no doubt a healthy Victorino makes the Phillies better. Having said that, with Victorino out, the Phillies starting outfield on most nights will now likely be Pat Burrell in left of course, Jayson Werth in center, and Geoff Jenkins in right. Defensively, that configuration isn't as good as it is with Victorino playing, but it isn't a bad defensive outfield by any means. Offsetting that decline a bit is the fact that offensively, the outfield might be better.
Again, a healthy and productive "Pu Kuni Ahi" is what the Phillies need, but until that player returns, the Phillies will get by just fine. And if nothing else, Hamels can play a little outfield. He's already been a pinch-runner this season and his OPS is .875.
