Philadelphia Phillies: Tops in MLB, but Will They Capture Any Individual Honors?
September 20, 2011 by Matt Goldberg
Filed under Fan News
Like that Old Man River, the Philadelphia Phillies just keep rolling along.
Even after Monday’s 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals and a rare series loss, the Phillies still clinched home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
Actually, it was the first four-game series all year that they haven’t at least split.
The Phils are where they want to be, and they have the luxury of resting certain players for the postseason—the “real” season for a team that is trying to meet its great expectations.
Indeed, if they win at least four games out of their remaining 10, they will set a franchise record.
Although it is all about the postseason for baseball’s elite, it’s not as if the 162-game, always-entertaining grind was of no importance. Several Phillies have had award-caliber seasons.
Which ones should be rewarded for them?
Will Roy Halladay repeat as the National League Cy Young Award winner? What about his rotation-mates, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels?
Who deserves MVP consideration?
Will that bespectacled fan favorite known as “Vanimal” walk away with Rookie of the Year honors?
And how about Uncle Charlie Manuel, who has presided over the best team in baseball?
Take a look at several Phillies players (and a manager) who deserve to figure into the balloting—per my own, still-mythical ballot.