Rollins was trying to explain the worrying mind-set. He said, of this lineup: "I understand the worrying. It's human nature. [But] there's not much to worry about."
Not knowing the answer to the question, the test was simple enough. Take the top dozen starting pitchers in the National League based on earned run average, from Tim Lincecum (2.30) to Ted Lilly (3.05). Compile hitting numbers against that top 12 by the four NL teams that would make the playoffs today: Phillies, Cardinals, Dodgers and Rockies. Stir gently. Compare.
When you look at the numbers, it is very clear that the Phillies are still the most feared hitting team of the foursome. When you look at those dozen pitchers' combined ERAs against the four playoff teams, it isn't close:
Phillies. . . 3.86
Rockies. . . 2.97
Dodgers. . . 2.48
Cardinals. . . 2.37
Yes, yes, the numbers are lower against the better pitchers - but why would anyone expect otherwise? Yes, yes, the Phillies hit slightly fewer home runs against that top dozen pitchers (one every 6 2/3 innings vs. one every 6 1/3 innings against everyone else) and strike out almost 19 percent more often against the top starters, but so does everybody else.
The bottom line is the bottom line. The Phillies score about a run per game more against the good starters than the Rockies do, and a run-and-a-half more than the Dodgers and Cardinals.
It is a big difference, a real difference.
So go worry about something else.
"You can break down anything and find something wrong with something," Rollins said. "It gets to a point where I guess winning isn't good enough. It's, 'They don't do this, they don't do that.' Well, it wasn't necessary. If we do come through in certain situations, it's, 'But what about the other eight guys you left on base?' Well, they weren't necessary for that win.
