Maybe Charlie is a Genius...

So here we are on April 20, 2013, and the Phillies, while three games under .500 (at 7-10), are showing real signs of improvement and possibilities.

Last night, Roy Halladay toook the hill and tossed a 7-inning masterpiece in which he surrendered only 2 hits - 2 solo home runs - leading the Phils to an 8-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Halladay looked stronger in this start than in any of his previous outings this year - including Spring Training games. This is a good sign. Maybe Charlie is a genius -- he said Doc would overcome his issues and become the Roy Halladay Fightins' fans are used to seeing.

Freddy Galvis is turning into the ultimate utility player. While we've seen Freddy at all four positions in the infield at times, now he's been given two starts in Left Field, and actuallly looks like an outfielder when he's there. He's got speed and agility and, as he plays more, will develop the capacity to read the ball off the bat and be able to react more quickly to the flight of the ball. Maybe Charlie is a genius -- he said he'd get his outfield situated within the first month. 

Ryan Howard is still in his typical early-season slump. The man can't run so, unless he's homering, he's pretty useless with a bat in his hands at this point. I'm pretty sure I hit lefties better than Ryan, which is why Charlie sat him last night in favor of Kevin Frandsen (whom I believe I field 1st Base better than). Maybe Charlie is a genius -- he's allowed Howard the time to play through these issues in the past, and it's proven to be the right decisions then, so we'll have to give it another couple of weeks to see how it plays out.

Jimmy Rollins is back in the leadoff spot. While Ben Revere is younger and speedier than the veteran shortstop, Revere's inability to be patient at the plate spelled his demise in the top of the lineup. Maybe Charlie is a genius -- he just needs time to work with Revere on seeing the ball better, and knowing what to swing at and when not to. Charlie's always been revered (no pun intended) as a great hitting coach; this may be a bigger challenge to him than fixing Ryan Howard.

I'm always open to debate and opinion; please share yours.

Coming soon... What will Chooch's return mean?

ERNDroid