Opening Week in Review

Here's a quick statistical analysis of the opening homestand, during which Philadelphia accumulated a 4-3 record.

Record: 4-3
NL East Standing: T-1st
Runs per game: 4.0
Runs against per game: 4.7

Wins: Donovan Leiter (SP3), Willie Rodriguez (SP4), Chief Webster (SP5), Duke Monroe (ClA)
Losses: Carl Oliver x2 (SP2), Jose Maduro (SuA)

It was not the opening week the Flash had hoped for, but coming away with the division lead means it's hard to complain too much. Getting shelled in back-to-back games to drop the Charlotte series was deeply upsetting, but Philly now has the San Fransisco punching bag to look forward to. The first road trip of the year this upcoming week is a cross-country affair, with a stop in Washington, D.C. after the Slingers series. Each set is 3 games.

Bullpen, Offense, Cause for Concern?

The sputtering offense may have fans bored when they come to the games, but Sour Surfer says he isn't worried about the poor performance.

"Well, not everyone has an established role on this team yet. The batting order will shuffle a bit once we better see where Hodges and Clontz fit into our plans. McMasters and Wyatt won't bat below the Mendoza line all year, either."

However, the bullpen does have the manager atwitter. With a collective ERA of 5.06 (that jumps to 6.08 without the work of stud closer Duke Monroe), Sour Surfer has expressed concern.

"Relievers are kind of a craps shoot anyway. Unless you've got an all-star, they're all prone to giving up runs. A roster move in the 'pen is not out of the question."