Roy Halladay had an 8-1 record against the Twins coming into today's game. His only loss came in the last game he pitched against them, in September 2009, when Carl Pavano beat him 4-1. Today, too, Pavano beat Halladay 4-1. Enough with the perfect symmetry. Halladay labored, for sure, but got little help from his mates. The lone Phillies' run came in the most unlikely way, via another homer by Wilson Valdez. He hit his first home run in six years yesterday, then clubbed another today. (Maybe the return of Jimmy Rollins is on his mind.) It was an otherwise listless day for the Phillies. The Twins did all the little things to win; the Phillies did nothing. They now trail the Braves by 5.5 games.
But for a lack of offensive support, both Halladay and Hamels should have much better records. Jimmy Rollins may return to the team on Tuesday, which would slot everyone back in his normal role. But what's to say that Rollins is fully recovered from his injury or will be able to stay in the line-up? Ruiz may also be back, though he was reportedly still dazed today from being hit yesterday. Madson is throwing bullpen sessions; Happ is still rehabbing. How much can any of these guys be counted on? Are Kendrick and Moyer likely to keep up their good performances? And which Joe Blanton is going to show up for the rest of the season?
Last year the Phillies got a tremendous mid-season boost from Cliff Lee and Pedro Martinez. This season Ruben Amaro, Jr. says no such move is in the works. If that's so, it's going to be more than a bit of downer come late July.
