Howard, Hamels Heating Up at the Right Time

By Chris Pollay

In order for the Philadelphia Phillies to advance far in the postseason this year, a lot of players are going to have to play well. However, I am still clinging to a little hope that the team can repeat because the team’s two key players are heating up just as the season is winding down.

Both Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels are capable of lifting the entire team on their shoulders and carrying them for significant stretches.

Of course, Hamels did precisely that for much of the playoff run during the 2008 championship season. He was 4-0 in five starts. Pitching an average of seven innings per start, his ERA was a phenomenal 1.80 for the entire postseason.

While Cole has struggled quite a bit in 2009 (10-9 record with a 4.07 ERA), he has proven to still be the Phillies’ workhorse. So far he has racked up more innings pitched (177) than any other starter on the club. He also leads the teams in strikeouts with 157.

The most exciting statistics, however, are the ones from Hamels' last five starts (since Aug. 26). In that time, he has elevated his game considerably. Not only has he has won three of his last four decisions, he has only given up 6 earned runs in his last 37.2 innings pitched (1.45 ERA).

He is back in control of his pitches and his changeup, in particular, has been downright merciless. As a result, he has been lasting longer in his starts, which is a very good sign. His World Series MVP hangover seems to be over and I believe he’s ready to take the mound as the bonafide ace of the team come next month.

While Hamels leads the team defensively, there is no question who the offensive leader of the team is The Big Man Ryan Howard. He has been a machine throughout his short career. In the past three seasons, he has racked up home runs at a staggering pace: 58 in 2006, 47 in 2007, and 48 in 2008.

So far this season, he has 41, and if the series against the Atlanta Braves this past weekend is any indication, he’s going to end the season on a tear. His three home runs and five RBIs helped the team win two of three crucial games.

Overall this season, Ryan is batting 20 points higher than last season (.271 vs. .251) and his OPS (On Base Plus Slugging Percentage) is higher: .917 vs. .881.

He also has obtained numerous career highs this season, including: most steals (7); most doubles (34); and has tied for most triples (4) even though the Phillies still have 14 more games to play.

With Howard and Hamels peaking at the right time, the team looks to be in pretty good shape. Their magic number is down to six and they’ve won 10 of their last 13 games.

I suppose I could focus more on some of the team’s weaknesses and trouble spots (and the team certainly has its share of both), but I prefer to take the positive approach as the postseason approaches.

And, of course, with Cole Hamels on the mound and Ryan Howard in the batter’s box, there certainly is a lot to feel positive about if you’re a Phillies’ fan.