Winners Last Time

After surprising many and ending up with National League East title last season, the Philadelphia Phillies have picked up right where they have left off. Fans at Citizens Bank Park could not be happier as their team, after years of playing behind the Atlanta Braves, has taken control of the NL East.

The pitching and batting have been superb throughout the early season. Even with Jimmy Rollins fighting back from an injury, the Phillies have found plenty of offense with Chase Utley taking the lead. Utley is competing for the home run title, which is something not many second basemen do.

The Phillies are actually very lucky. They have provided Citizens Bank Park with yet another MVP candidate. Two years ago Ryan Howard won the National League MVP and last season Jimmy Rollins won it. MLB rarely sees such dominance from an infield in a decade much less three consecutive years.

Phillies tickets are already starting to go fast as the season appears to be a good one for a fan base that is known for being demanding. The starting pitching may give those fans some reason for concern.

Apart from Cole Hamels is the only starting pitcher giving the club quality starts. Jamie Moyer has not been bad, but he has had his share of bad games. Adam Eaton, Kyle Kendrick, and Brett Myers have forced the bullpen to come out a lot more often than any MLB manager or baseball fan would like to see. Will they turn it around, or will they end up burning out the bullpen before the All Star game? Still, Brad Linge has been phenomenal to watch while he continues to convert every save opportunity.

The Phillies would like to take over the mantle as the National League East favorite as the Braves old age finally catches up to them. The Phillies have had a history as a struggling MLB club and this development would be welcome from die hard Phillies fans and Philadelphia sports historians.

So far 2008 looks like the year the Phillies can finally add a second World Series to their 100 plus year history.