Phillies poised for run to playoffs, as are Braves, Mets, Marlins

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Posted 5:33AM on Thursday, July 15, 2004

PHILADELPHIA - Now that the Philadelphia Phillies accomplished one goal - first place at the All-Star break - they have to find a way to create some distance at the top. With the second half of the season beginning Thursday, just two games separate the NL East-leading Phillies and the fourth-place New York Mets in a closely contested division. The Atlanta Braves, who have won an unprecedented 12 straight division championships, are one game behind the Phillies, with the defending World Series champion Florida Marlins just 1.5 games back. ``Sure, we'd like to have a bigger cushion, but every team goes through injuries,'' Phillies general manager Ed Wade said. ``I think the club is capable of performing better. That's not a hopeful expectation, it's based on track records.'' Injuries are just one reason why the Phillies, widely considered favorites to win the East coming into the season, have underachieved. An inconsistent offense and subpar pitching have been Philadelphia's main problems. The starting rotation was expected to be the team's strength. Instead, it's been the biggest disappointment. Kevin Millwood, making $11 million this season, hasn't recovered from his poor finish last year. He's 6-5 with a 5.15 ERA. Brett Myers, a 14-game winner last season, is 5-6 with a 5.68 ERA. Randy Wolf (3-5, 3.56) missed time with an elbow injury, and Vicente Padilla (4-5, 4.07) still hasn't returned from an elbow injury. Eric Milton has been the lone bright spot, going 11-2 despite a 4.72 ERA. ``We have to pitch to our capabilities. We have the ability to pitch a lot better, that's the key,'' manager Larry Bowa said. ``Brett's pitched better, Kevin's pitched better, Wolfie has not really been able to get into his groove. If you look at our team ERA, especially over the past month, it's pretty impressive we've won games giving up five, six runs.'' The staff ERA of 4.44 is tied for 16th in the majors. It would be a lot higher if it weren't for relievers Ryan Madson (6-2, 2.03), Billy Wagner (13 for 15 saves) and Tim Worrell (3.57, nine saves). ``The bullpen's our rock,'' Bowa said. ``They've just done a great job. We have to go deeper into games. We can't ask for 9-12 outs a game from our bullpen.'' With the July 31 trade deadline approaching, the Phillies are among several teams looking to add pitching help. Another solid starter would be ideal, but getting one depends on how many prospects, if any, Wade is willing to trade. The Phillies also are interested in another reliever, especially a left-hander to take the burden off Rheal Cormier. Wade probably won't make a deal to alter the starting lineup, even though leadoff hitter Marlon Byrd was sent to Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre and doesn't appear close to returning soon. Led by All-Stars Jim Thome (.289, 28 homers, 61 RBIs) and Bobby Abreu (.306, 18, 60), the offense has put up some big numbers, especially at Citizens Bank Park, which has turned into baseball's latest bandbox in its first season. Left fielder Pat Burrell, coming off his worst season, has regained his old form, hitting .276 with 15 homers and 62 RBIs. Third baseman David Bell, who missed much of last year with injuries, is back to his old self, batting .274 with 12 homers and 45 RBIs. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins has moved into the leadoff spot, and is hitting .270 with 55 runs and 14 steals. But several hitters have had prolonged slumps throughout the first half, and the team's batting average of .263 ranks 19th in the majors. ``We need more consistency,'' Bowa said. The Phillies enter an important stretch Thursday, starting a four-game series against the Mets at Shea Stadium followed by two games in Atlanta, before returning home for a two-game series against Florida, which has won all six meetings this year. If the offense just maintains its current pace without improving, and the bullpen continues to pitch well, the Phillies should stay in the race the rest of the way. Philadelphia could pull away with the division if the starting pitchers improve or a quality starter is added. ``You win in the second half. If we can take care of business in the second half, that's our best chance to get to October,'' Wolf said.