Burnett Continues Winning Ways

Burnett hurled a gem Sunday.

Phillies starting pitcher A.J. Burnett  had compiled a 3.63 ERA over 9 NL seasons before 2014.  By the time he had officially notched the first win of his Phillies career Sunday, he had successfully lowered his season ERA to 2.15 after an economic 102-pitch outing, where he allowed 5 hits over 8 innings with 0 walks and 8 S.O. in Arizona.  At the same time, the Phils won their 2nd-straight series and their 5th win in their last 7 games.  After a day off Monday, they open an exciting 2-game series at home against the divisional rival N.Y. Mets, who come in at a surprising 14-11 and in 2nd place in the NL East.

Sunday, in the First inning, Ben Revere singled to left center in the game's 1st at-bat (his .312 Ave. is #15 in the NL).  Despite his lack of power (0 career HR, a .333 SLG %), Revere's ability to move speedily around the bases has put him in scoring position as often as a more frequent extra-base hitting leadoff man this season.   So, while Jimmy Rollins followed with a strike out, Revere stole 2nd (his 9th of the season, #3 in NL), putting him in scoring position with 1 out.  Chase Utley came up next.  Utley singled to center and the speedy Revere came around to score, plating the only run the

Utley has returned to peak form this year.

Phils would need in route to a 2-0 win.  Utley is hitting .360 (#2 in the NL), is finally feeling pain-free and is consequently enjoying his first All-Star caliber numbers since he was the NL starting 2nd Baseman via fan voting from 2006 to 2010.  Health was the culprit in his decreased production and dwindling games played.   

Utley used to give his body rest at the end of the intensely long baseball season. Then, he would begin soft workouts before reporting to camp in Clearwater, FL in February.

"That's just how everyone does it," Utley said. "A long season ends, you're tired, you're spent, you need to let your body recover. Everyone said, 'Get some rest for a month or so, then start up again.' So that's what I did. It worked for a while. And then, one offseason, it didn't."

Now?

Utley runs the bases with a veteran's prudence.

"I work out every single day, because if I don't, I can't move the next day," Utley said in March.  Utley developed a new workout routine last season, which strengthens the muscles surrounding his knees throughout the offseason, as well as the season. 

"Last year was the first year I lifted weights every single day during the season," Utley said. "A lower body activity and an upper body activity every single day, no matter if I'm at home or on the road.  It's been a long process, but I'm really happy with how things are going now."

Perennially popular, even among U.S. Presidents, MLB fans may reward Utley's efforts in All-Star ballot voting.  Either way, he's comeback player and team MVP so far this year.  Sunday, Utley doubled and scored in the 6th inning and raised his OPS to .998 (6th in the NL).  He has hit the long-ball 3 times this year, a 19 HR season pace, but his .584 SLG % (8th in the NL) indicates greater HR potential-- if he stays healthy.  In Utley's first 22 games of 2013, he hit .308/.353/.551. Then, in the 22 games that followed, he hit just .238/.326/.400.  In his first 52 games of 2011: .287/.383/.487. Last 51 games of 2011: .237/.309/.382.  So, longevity will be the key for Utley and several other aging Phils as the season progresses.  Meanwhile, Utley's range, positioning and decision-making in the field have all been excellent.

Sunday, in the bottom of the 4th inning, when Burnett struck out Martin Prado and Paul Goldschmidt, two formidable hitters, on 4 pitches apiece, it was clear that it would take a bulldozer bigger than Arizona's 20th ranked offense to break his rhythm.  The 37 year-old veteran has been unflappable for the Phils.  He had allowed 2 runs or fewer in 5 of his first 6 starts.  Sunday was his 2nd shutout in 3 games.  He has been undeniably terrific, arguably the game's best 3rd man in the rotation.

Burnett's 5th inning was even more impressive.  He got out of the inning on only 7 pitches, but had to work out of trouble.  He allowed a 1-out triple, then coolly got the next 2 batters out on 3 pitches.

In the 8th, when Burnett appeared to be tiring a bit, he allowed a double with 2 out, then fell behind former All-Star Prado at 2 balls, no strikes.  The Phils lead was a slim 2-0 and this was a key at-bat to winning the game.  Burnett fought back to even the count at 2-2 before inducing Prado to ground out and end the inning scoreless.

Closer Jonathan Papelbon came on in the 9th inning and allowed 1 hit before notching his 8th save (#4 in NL).  Of his 11 appearances, only 4 have provided no base runners.  While he lives on the edge, Papelbon has actually allowed 0 earned runs since his first 1/3 inning outing on April 2nd.  The Phils couldn't ask for more.  Although they hardly overwhelm on paper, the hitting ranks 8th in the NL and the starting pitching is top-notch, especially with Cole Hamels back.  The big hole is the bullpen, whose ERA hit 5.37 last week vs. L.A. and ranks barely ahead of Cincinnati for last in the NL.  Papelbon's 2.38 ERA means that the Phils bullpen prior to the 9th inning is the worst in baseball.  

Tuesday and Wednesday the Phils will play host to the Mets with the following pitching matchups:

Tuesday, April 29th 7:05 PM

Cole Hamels (0-1, 3.00 ERA) vs.

Jonathon Niese (1-2, 2.45 ERA)

Wednesday, April 30th 7:05 PM

Kyle Kendrick (0-2, 3.52 ERA) vs.

Bartolo Colon (2-3, 4.50 ERA)