Rockies: Todd Helton. While he might not have the power he did earlier in his career after back surgery a year ago, he came back to lead team in batting average (.325), hits (177), walks (89) and on-base percentage (.416). He is willing to sit on a certain pitch until he gets two strikes and then has the ability to foul off good pitches, often resulting in extended at-bats. He's the team's elder statesman and still one of the best defensive first basemen in the league.
Phillies: Ryan Howard. After 3 straight years of declining numbers, Howard put himself through a rigorous offseason conditioning program and the results were obvious. He increased his batting average by 28 points, his OPS by 50 points, had a career-high 37 doubles and lowered his strikeouts from 199 to 186. He also was noticeably improved with the glove, although was still prone to throwing errors. He and Prince Fielder tied for the major league lead with 141 RBI and he was third in homers with 45.
ADVANTAGE: PHILLIES
Rockies: Clint Barmes. A shortstop who happens to be playing second base, he can make some careless errors but will also make spectacular plays. Can hit a mistake and 23 homers prove he can be dangerous but has a tendency to get pull-happy and tends to be more effective when he concentrates on going to rightfield. In a perfect world, he could be a 5-day-a-week utility man since he can also play short, first, third and center.
Phillies: Chase Utley. Made his fourth straight All-Star team, although his .282 average this season was well below his .298 career coming into the season. Tied Florida's Dan Uggla for most home runs by an NL second baseman (31) and was second at his position in RBI (93). Tied for second among all NL players with 112 runs, a testament to his first-to-third ability. Has stolen 25 straight bases without being cauight going back to last season.
ADVANTAGE: BIG EDGE TO PHILLIES
Rockies: Troy Tulowitzki. He's the franchise. How many shortstops bat cleanup? Tulowitzki does, breaking up lefthanded hitters Todd Helton and Brad Hawpe. After hitting .216 with five homers and 16 RBI through June 6, batted .332-27-76 the rest of the way. He became just the ninth NL shortstop in history with a 20-20 season. His infield arm was rated second-best in baseball by Baseball America managers' poll and also has great range.
