Wank's World: OMG RUNS!

Chase Utley returned to the lineup Monday, only to go 0 for 5. I gotta tell you, bleeping guy sucks. If he’s going to do that, they might as well just bat Wilson Valdez….

I kid, I kid. It was nothing short of glorious to see Utley back in the lineup. This is probably the first time this season that I’ve watched a game and said to myself, “Okay. This team can win the World Series.” And I feel pretty damn good about it.

The Philles destroyed the Reds at Citizens Bank Park in front of 45,851 fans, which happens to be the largest regular season crowd in the stadium’s history. It was the first time this season that the Phillies fielded something close to resembling a Major League lineup. It resulted in 10 runs, 14 hits, and three homers–the first time they accomplished that feat since April 27.

What went down: Placido Polanco got the Phillies rolling early with a two-run shot off of Bronson Arroyo. Cole Hamels did his part early, quieting the Reds as he cruised through the first three innings. Raul Ibanez, John Mayberry Jr., and Cole Hamels all hit RBI singles before Jimmy Rollins effectively ended the game with a three-run bomb deep into the right field seats to give the Phillies a 9-0 lead. Cole Hamels had no idea what to do with such a surplus of runs–he surrendered a three-run homer to Jay Bruce in the fourth, but settled down as the Phillies cruised the rest of the way.

Who or what I liked: Chase Utley. Making his season debut, Utley was the only starter not to record a hit. That's unacceptable--just kidding.

I’ll allow Utley at least an entire two games before I start riding him. Although he didn’t do anything at the plate, it was terrific not to see Wilson Valdez in the two-hole. Clearly, the offense was inspired by Utley’s return. It’s funny–watching Mayberry hit in the eight-hole makes what was previously an anemic offense a mere 36 hours ago seem suddenly borderline potent. I’ll take a guy that can hit one out of the stadium in the eight-spot.

Carlos Ruiz. Surely Ruiz’ performance will be lost in the 10-run explosion tonight. Chooch, however, was 3 for 3 with a walk. What’s more, he looked comfortable at the plate for the first time this season. If Utley settles into a groove and players like Ruiz can get it going a bit, this offense goes from below average to formidable in a heartbeat. I can’t help but get a bit carried away after watching this one tonight.

Cole Hamels. Hamels went six innings, surrendering three earned runs. His only true mistake was a cookie that Jay Bruce hooked off the foul pole for a three-run bomb. Whatever. It’s nice to see Hamels not be perfect, get some run support, and get a win. When was the last time we were able to say that about a starter on this team in recent weeks? He’s now 6-2 on the year with a 3.06 ERA. The man is headed to an All-Star Game.

Who or what pissed me off: Jimmy Rollins. What am I supposed to complain about tonight? This is a stretch, but I'll try this...

In the second inning, Rollins was one ball away from bringing Utley to the plate with the bases loaded. Would have been epic. Instead, Rollins hit a weak fly ball to end the inning. I know–he hit a three-run homer in the third, which is good. I’m just grasping for straws in this section tonight.

Can somebody please explain to me: Is baseball really this much about momentum? An All-Star returns, goes 0 for 5, but yet the rest of a previously stagnant lineup explodes for 10 runs after weeks of miserable performance. Go figure.

Now what: Johnny Cueto, he of the 1.45 ERA, will deal with this new and improved Phillies lineup. He’ll face Vance Worley. I don’t know why, but I expect Worley to struggle, so the Phillies will probably have to be the first team to get to Cueto this season in order to win. Let’s see if the positive vibes carry over…methinks they will.