Phillies April Rewind

The first month of the season is over, which for the Phillies, is always a good thing. Let's take a look at who has impressed and who hasn't. [Stats referenced do not include last night's game.] Exceeding Expectations Pat Burrell - I don't care what any of you say, no one saw this month coming. Chase Utley - We all knew Utley would hit well all year, but double digit homers in April was definitely not expected. Brad Lidge - He looks like a reliable closer, even if he needs a few more days of rest than other top-line stoppers. Jayson Werth - Working pitch counts, hitting homers, running down fly balls, having a hot mom...the man can do it all. Chris Coste - He will be on this list every year. Charlie Manuel - Hasn't screwed up much. Possibly the most surprising early season trend. Meeting Expectations Gavin Eaton - No wins, no losses, and ERA around 5. Sounds about right. Greg Dobbs - If he continues to hit .340, will be in the "Above" category by year's end. Snelling, Harman, Bruntlett, Bohn - small PT, small stats. Ramon Henderson - Typical solid performance in the 'pen and as BP thrower. I wish I could walk around my job in catchers shin guards... Below Expectations Ryan Howard - Howard is the leader of this group. Brett Myers - An ERA over 5 for the opening day starter is not a good thing. At least the Phils aren't the only team in this situation (see: Verlander, Sabathia). Of course, those two have improved velocity and promising recent results... DP Feliz - Double-plays and strikeouts were expected. But some shaky D and a ~.200 average is far less than anticipated. Carlos Ruiz - Frankly, he looks horrible. Geoff Jenkins - The .240 average isn't a shocker, but only 4 RBIs is unacceptable. So Taguchi - Hasn't contributed much, and has been shaky as a defensive replacement, conjuring up memories of Chris Roberson. Scott Sheridan - Phils trainer hasn't helped Rollins get back on the field quick enough. Is it really Sheridan's fault? I don't know, but I have to blame somebody. No Grade Jimmy Rolllins and Shane Victorino, due to injuries. First month overview - I give the Phils a grade of "Ehh." Not as successful as I would have liked, but also not as unsuccessful as previous Aprils. Also, considering the struggles of Myers, the 4 regulars mentioned above, and the injuries to Rollins and Victorino, and this month actually seems pretty good.