The stats will show that the Phillies scored more runs than anyone in the National League last season, more than all but a few AL teams, too. Those stats mask how uneven that scoring could be however, how their ridiculously prolific power numbers (224 home runs) masked a recurring problem of developing and sustaining rallies, leading to less victories than they should have had, and more blown saves, too.
Some of that had to do with the man in the leadoff spot, who batted .250 and finished last among NL shortstops in on-base percentage. Some had to do with a lack of production from the back of the order. It's fun to watch the faces of casual fans when I tell them what Pedro Feliz hit with runners in scoring position (.336), because it sure seemed like he was ending a whole lot of innings with 5-4-3 doubleplays. (He hit into 12 doubleplays in 2009.)
Although not quite to the extent of Rollins, Feliz ranked low in on-base percentage and OPS among NL third basemen. Still, he was as likable as his name implies, and with 82 runs batted in and a great glove, it's startling to see the indifference accompanying his departure. The guy drove in the winning run of the World Series 2 years ago. He tied Game 4 this year with a clutch, eighth-inning home run, before Lidge blew it into pieces.
So let's say Cole Hamels is better and Brad Lidge is better. That's a second ace and a dependable closer at no additional cost. Since picking up Feliz' option at $5.5 million was not palatable, it's reasonable to assume that Phillies brass agreed with their manager about the offense.
