The Phillies and the Braves have had their fair share of bright spots and dark spots in Spring as well. Here are some stat lines of some one their starting players. For the Phillies:
Feliz 48 AB, 10 H, 2 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, .208 BA, .208 OBP
Jenkins 48 AB, 8 H, 4 2B, HR, 3 RBI, .167 BA, .200 OBP
Howard 47 AB, 15 H, 4 2B, 4 HR, 9 RBI, .319 BA, .377 OBP
Rollins 43 AB, 9 H, 6 2B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .209 BA, .292 OBP
Personally, I am surprised at Jenkins percentage of hits that are for extra bases, that is surprising. However, in the lineup that the Phillies have, I would want to see higher OBP's out of Feliz and Jenkins because their job is really to be on base for one of the other big bats to send them home. That being said, Howard is in mid-season form already, although he still has to knock in 6 more jacks to be at where he was in previous Springs, but thats not necessary.
Moyer 13.2 IP, 3.29 ERA, 5 ER, 6 BB, 9 K
Hamels 11.0 IP, 6.55 ERA, 8 ER, 3 HR, 3 BB, 11 K
Flash Gordon 4.2 IP, 9.64 ERA, 5 ER, 2 HR, 2 BB, 4 K
The real concern in this group for Philly fans is Gordon. Between Lidge's recent health problems, they need Gordon to be ready to be more than a setup man, and step into the closer light. He has struggled in the last couple regular seasons, and if he continues to struggle this season, it would be a huge weak point for the Phillies.
For the Braves:
K Johnson 38 AB, 9 H, 1 2B, 0HR, 2 RBI, .237 BA, .310 OBP
Y Escobar 39 AB, 18 H, 3 2B, 2 HR, 12 RBI, .462 BA, .475 OBP
M Kotsay 37 AB, 9 H, 1 2B, 3 RBI, .243 BA, .300 OBP
B McCann 32 AB, 9 H, 1 2B, HR, 5 RBI, .281 BA, .303 OBP
In 94 games last year, Escobar hit above .320, and in Spring he is on a tear knocking in 12 runs, and being on base once almost every 2 plate appearances. I really like looking at Kotsay's stats because I remeber a group of people who made a big deal of this trade online like it would make a difference, I still believe that it won't. Warning, the next set of statistics are not pleasant.
Glavine 13.2 IP, 3.29 ERA, 5 ER, HR, 6 BB, 11 K
Hudson 15.0 IP, 1.20 ERA, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
Hampton 7.2 IP, 1.17 ERA, ER, 4 BB, 5 K
Smoltz 4.2 IP, 5.79 ERA, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Those stats are scary. Hampton with an ERA around 1, Hudson is pitching strong, and Glavine is pitching sub 4 ERA baseball. The rotation is the Braves strong point and good pitching beats good hitting.
All of this is confirming what we already know, that this will be a long, competitive season.
