Through the first month of the season, it seems rather easy to determine if the Phillies will win. If they can score more than two runs, they generally come out on the winning end. But sadly, scoring even three runs seems to be more than the team can manage on a regular basis.
Despite the team's continued offensive struggles, there was one hitter who had a good week, and his bat contributed to a couple of Phillies victories.
Featured Phillie of the Week: Carlos Ruiz
In Wednesday's victory, Ruiz went 3-4 with an RBI. Then on Saturday, he homered as part of a 3 RBI night in yet another Phillies win.
Ruiz's offensive contributions are nothing new for this team.
Back in 2007, he was considered more of a defensive specialist at catcher. Any offense he provided out of the 8th spot in the lineup was a bonus.
Over the years, he has steadily made himself into an offensive weapon as well. By 2009, he was still the 8-hole hitter, but that was only because the Phillies had what was largely considered to be the National League's best lineup.
In 2012, while some other of the team's big names struggle, Ruiz may have been the team's best offensive player for the first month of the season.
And while manager Charlie Manuel loves having Ruiz's strong on-base aptitude near the bottom of the lineup, if the other players continue to struggle, he may have no choice but to move Ruiz higher.
Ghost of Phillies Past: Darren Daulton
You're probably thinking: Darren Daulton? The multiple-time All-Star and team leader who helped power the 1993 Phillies? How is he the Ghost of Phillies Past?
If you only look at Daulton's career from 1992 forward, then yes, this is indeed a strange choice.
But before his breakthrough year in 1992, Daulton was not considered one of the best catchers in baseball. He might have been the worst starting catcher in baseball. Most Phillies fans would have shipped him out of town for a box of baseballs, and probably thought they were getting a good deal.
Daulton was once an intriguing prospect. In 1986, the team thought they had a rising star at catcher. Unfortunately, midway through that season, Daulton suffered a horrific knee injury that threatened to end his career.
He was able to return to the team the following season, and served as the team's backup catcher.
In 1989, after starter Lance Parrish departed, the Phillies decided to see what Daulton could do as the regular catcher. The answer: Not a whole lot.
Over the next three seasons, Daulton missed a large chunk of time due to injury, and wasn't impressive when he did play. He bottomed out in 1991 with a .196 batting average.
Therefore, it came as quite a surprise to everyone when he suddenly became an All-Star and led the league in RBIs the next season.
While I don't want to make any accusations, it should be noted that quite a few players had unexpected surges in production around that time.
Random Phillies Image Found on the Web
Here are some Phillies themed pastries! Looks delicious!
Pennant Year Song of the Week
At times this week, the Phillies offense looked like it might be snapping out of its funk. But in other games, they continued to struggle.
And so, this week's featured song is Hot-N-Cold by Katy Perry:
Hopefully, we see more of the hot Phillies offense going forward.
Final Analysis
While Ruiz has never been as inept offensively as Daulton once was, I also don't see Ruiz undergoing a similar surge late in his career.
While it would be nice if Ruiz suddenly developed 20+ home run power or started driving in 100+ RBIs, I think the Phillies will gladly take the offensive contributions he does provide.
They just need to hope that he gets some help from the rest of the offense.
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